Portugal, Republic, A Military Order Of Saint James Of The Sword, Grand Officer, By Frederico Costa, C.1930

(Ordem Militar de Sant'Iago da Espada). Instituted 1175. Type III. 1918-Present. A multiple ray twenty-two pointed star in silver gilt, obverse centre featuring a red enameled florid cross on a white enameled field, circumscribed by a red enameled border inscribed SCIENCIAS, LETRAS E ARTES (Science, Literature, and Arts), encompassed by a gilt laurel wreath, reverse with central pin assembly, with maker’s cartouche of FREDERICO COSTA, the principal jeweler in Lisbon, hallmarked on pin and catch with Portuguese hallmark of silver purity of .833, measuring 71.44 mm (w) x 71.37 mm (h), with enamel loss, better than fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Saint James of the Sword was first established in Spain in the 12th century. In the 13th century, the Portuguese Knights of the Order divorced themselves from the Spanish order with the confirmation of Pope John XXII in 1320. In 1789, it was secularised by Queen Mary I. It was reformed again in 1862, disbanded in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic, and re-established in 1918. Since 1862, it has been conferred upon Portuguese and foreigners citizens in recognition of merit in the fields of science, literature, and arts. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.