Austria, Empire. A War Merit Cross, II Class for Civil Merit, by Rothe, c.1915

(Kriegskreuz für Zivilverdienste II Klasse). Instituted on August 16, 1915 by Kaiser Franz Joseph. (Issued 1915-1918). A silver gilt cross with white enameled arms, the obverse with a center white enameled medallion, with “FJI” in silver gilt lettering, circumscribed by “Merito Civili Tempore Belli MCMXV” (Latin - At the merit of the Civil War), with an oak wreath on the cross; the reverse vertical pin and two horizontally oriented rivets, maker marked “FR” for “Rothe & Neffe, Wien”, as well as “AA”; measuring 44.04 mm (w) x 44.43 mm (h), weighing 28.5 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.