Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Grade with War Decoration, c.1870

Type II. 1865-1915 Issue. An extremely well preserved and exquisite quality manufacture early version of a Military Merit Cross Third Grade with War Decoration (Militärverdienstkreuz III. Grades mit Kriegsdekoration); a silver gilt cross; the outer layer of the cross with red enamels, and the inner layer of the cross with white enamels, with a white enameled central medallion inscribed with “Verdienst” and a dotted line indicative of an early model; with a gilt laurel wreath between the arms of the cross; the reverse of the cross in solid white enamels - also indicative of an early model; on a loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon; measuring 29.84 mm (w) x 33.18 mm (h); weighing 13.4 grams; in overall better than extremely 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.