Austria, Empire. An Order of the Knights of Malta, Neck Badge Merit Cross with War Decoration, c.1916

(Souveräner Malteseorden Silbernes Verdienstkreuz). Neck badge worn on Breast Version. A gilded silvered Maltese Cross in white enamel, the centre medallion presents a white enamelled Maltese Cross over a red enamel field, circumscribed by a ring of white enamel, inscribed “MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI” (“Military Order of Merit”), the reverse with a red enameled medallion dated “1916, surrounded by a ring of white enamel depicting an open ended wreath, unmarked, measures 40.33 mm (w) x 50.14 mm (h), on loop for suspension from period original wartime Ladies ribbon, and in 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.