Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Knights of Malta; 1st Class in Gold, Military Division

c.1910. Austrian Branch. An extremely fine quality and meticulously crafted example of an Italian Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta Commander’s Cross; a hollow Maltese cross in solid gold; the obverse with integrated white enameled arms, and exceedingly detailed double-headed crowned eagles between the arms of the cross; the reverse with separately applied white enamels and ornate detailing on the edges of the arms of the cross; suspended from a large and remarkably detailed hollow solid gold royal crown, with a Trophy of Arms suspension also of hollow construction crafted in solid gold and red and white enamels - note the exceptional detailing on the reverse; with its period original neck ribbon; measuring 88.20 mm x 49.88 mm with its crown suspension, and 45.64 mm x 38.33 mm; weighing 49.1 grams in total; an exceptional piece of remarkable quality, in absolutely 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.