Austria, Imperial. A Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta, Ladies Gold Merit Cross with War Decoration Ribbon, c.1916

(Souveräner Malteseorden Silbernes Verdienstkreuz). In silver gilt, consisting of an Anchor Cross with partially pebbled arms, the obverse with a central Maltese Cross, within a ring bearing an inscription of “MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI” (“MILITARY ORDER OF MERIT”), the reverse with a central raised dated of “1916” surrounded by a laurel wreath, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral ring and suspension loop connecting to a period original bowtie-style ribbon with a horizontal pinback, the ribbon with war decoration addition, unmarked, measuring 39.62 mm (w) x 43.46 mm (h), weighing 18.4 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in better than very 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.