Bavaria, Kingdom. A Royal Merit Order of St. Michael, Second Class Cross in Gold, by Gebrüder Hemmerle, c.1890

1837-1918 Issue. (Bayerisch-Königlicher Verdienstorden vom Heiligen Michael Kreuz 2. Klasse). A hollow gold cross pattee with dark blue enameled arms; the obverse with an oval gold disc depicting St. Michael slaying a dragon - his shield reads “Quis Ut Deus” (Latin - Who [is] like God?); the reverse with a round gold disc, inscribed “Virtuti” (Latin - Virtue); suspended from a hollow swivel crown suspension, with a horizontally pierced ball and broad loop for suspension - marked “G.B” for “Gebrüder Hemmerle, München” and marked “750” for 75% gold content; suspended from its period original neck ribbon; measuring 48.38 mm (w) x 85.81 mm (h); weighing 32.0 grams; the enamels virtually untouched, without cracks or chips of any kind; in overall virtually mint condition.

Footnote: With a total of 420 of this Royal Merit Order of St. Michael, Second Class Cross awarded.

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.