Bavaria. A Bavarian Order of Military Merit Commander's Cross Second Class with Crown and Swords

A well preserved example of a Bavarian Order of Military Merit Commander's Cross Second Class with Crown and Swords; First War Period Issue; silver gilt Maltese cross with blue, white, and black enamels; the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gold crowned cipher of King Ludwig III within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with gold letters reading “Merenti” (Latin - “Merit”); the reverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gold crowned Bavarian lion within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with golden numbers reading “1866”; with the swords attached to the cross directly above the upper arm; suspended from a swivel crown suspension, with a horizontally pierced ball and a long ribbon; with its full size period original wartime ribbon; marked “950” for silver content, and “G.H.” for Gebrüder Hemmerle manufacture; measuring 55.07 mm (w) x 92.79 mm (h - with crown suspension); weighing 51.2 grams; with light contact marks from light period wear and some wear to the original gilt finish, but without chipping or cracks in the enamel of any kind; in overall near extremely fine condition. Very Rare. 146 Awarded.

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.