Austria, Imperial. An War Cross for Civil Merit, Fourth Class

An extremely well preserved example of an Imperial Austrian War Cross for Civil Merit; Fourth Class; a gilt bronze cross with an oak wreath wound between the arms of the cross; the obverse with “FJI” for “Franz Joseph I” in the centre, circumscribed “Merito Civili Tempore Belli” (Latin - At the merit of the Civil War); the reverse plain, with two rivets visible; functional vertical pinback assembly; measuring 44.07 mm (w) x 45.51 mm (h); weighing 25.9 grams; with its original gilt finish nearly fully preserved; in overall near 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.