Bavaria. A 1913-1918 Issue Order of Military Merit Cross First Class with Swords and Crown

A well preserved example of a 1913-1918 issue Bavarian Order of Military Merit Cross First Class with Swords and Crown; silver gilt Maltese cross with black and white 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 gilt medallion bearing a golden crowned Bavarian lion within gilt 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 period original but incorrect ribbon; ring marked with an asterisk, denoting that a higher grade of this award was awarded to the recipient - likely Austrian; measuring 43.42 mm x 67.58 mm; weighing 22.0 grams; with the gilt and enamels extremely well preserved; in virtually mint 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.