Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, Third Class, with Small Decoration, c.1917

1914-1918 Issue. (Military Military Merit Cross Third Class Type III by Vincent Mayer with War Decoration & Small Decoration of the Cross Second Class with Second Class War Decoration Third Grade and Gold Swords - Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse III. Typus mit Kriegsdekoration und Kleiner Dekoration des Militärverdienstkreuzes II. Klasse mit Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern). A silver cross pattee with red and white enamels; the obverse with a central whilte enameled medallion inscribed “Verdienst” (German - Merit); the reverse in white enamels; on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with a miniature decoration attached; maker marked “V.M” for “Vincent Mayer, Vienna” and with a Vienna City mark; measuring 30.88 mm (w) x 31.40 mm (h); weighing 14.3 grams; in overall 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.