Austria, Empire. Two Austrian Imperial Awards

A grouping of two Austrian imperial awards, consisting of 1) A Fourth Class Merit Cross “1849”; constructed of silver, with red enameled arms; the obverse with a silver medallion, inscribed “FJ” for “Franz Joseph” in capital lettering, surrounded by an ornately decorated ring; the reverse with a similar medallion, dated “1849” in silver numbering, suspended from a horizontally pierced suspension from a tri-fold ribbon with gilded swords attached; measuring 29.94 mm (w) x 34.20 mm (h); weighing 8.5 grams. 2) A Third Class Military Merit Cross; constructed of silver with red and white enameled arms, with a laurel wreath between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion inscribed “Verdienst” (German - Merit); the reverse in white enamels; on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with gilded swords attached; measuring 30.82 mm (w) x 30.95 mm (h); measuring 16.8 grams; in overall very 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.