Bavaria. A Bavarian Order of Military Merit; Fourth Class with Crown and Peacetime Ribbon by J. Leser

A fine example of a Bavarian Order of Military Merit Fourth Class (Bayerische Militärverdienstorden, IV. Klasse mit Krone); silver 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 rampant lion within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with golden numbers reading “1866”; suspended from a swivel crown suspension - marked “980” for silver content, and “J.L” for Jacob Leser manufacture; with a horizontally-pierced ball and ring suspension; with its period original 35 mm wide peacetime ribbon; measuring 39.86 mm (w) x 65.43 mm (h - with crown suspension); weighing 25.4 grams (with its ribbon); with the blue enamels flaked on the obverse of the right arm; the enamels otherwise well preserved, with only light contact marks, and with even patina from age; in overall near 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.