Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Knights of Malta, II Class Cross of Merit with War Decoration, c.1916

(Souveräner Malteseorden II. Klasse Verdienstkreuz mit Kriegsdekoration). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an Anchor Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse with a central red enameled medallion bearing a white enameled Maltese cross, surrounded by a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI” (“MILITARY ORDER OF MERIT”), the reverse with an analogous red enameled medallion with a gilt date of “1916”, surrounded by a ring of white enamel bearing gilt oak leaves, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original tri-fold ribbon with a war decoration, unmarked, measuring 40.41 mm (w) x 50.92 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

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.