Greece, Kingdom. A Cross of Merit, I Class, Gold Grade Cross, c.1920

(Αριστείον Ανδρείας.) Instituted in 1913. In silver gilt with blue and white enamels, measuring 30.5 mm (w) x 48.5 mm (h), intact enamels, without ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Cross of Valour is the second highest (and until 1974 the highest) military decoration of the Greek state, awarded for acts of bravery or distinguished leadership on the field of battle. It has been instituted three times, first on May 13, 1913 during the Balkan Wars but not issued until 1921 during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922, then on November 11, 1940 shortly after the outbreak of the Greco-Italian War and finally in 1974.

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.