Austria, Empire. Two Merit Decorations, c.1917

Cross of Merit, 2nd Class, Third Period (1914-1918): Verdienstkreuz. Instituted in 1849. In silver gilt with red and white enamels, marked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) hallmark, which was used between 1872 and 1922, the head flanked by the number "2" (silver fineness) on the left and the assay city mark "A" (Vienna) on the right, and maker marked "G.A.S." (G.A. Scheid) on the ring, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 40.7 mm (h), chipping evident in the red enamels on the arm at 9 o'clock on the obverse, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye; and Iron Merit Cross: Eisernes Verdienstkreuz. Instituted in 1916. In war materials, measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 55.8 mm (h), crossed swords clasp on its original triangular wartime ribbon with hook and eye. Together, better than very fine.

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.