Waldeck, Principality. A Merit Cross, IV Class Knight with Swords, c.1915

(Verdienstkreuz 4. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted on January 14, 1871 by Fürst Georg Viktor. Instituted 1901-1918. A silver Maltese cross with pebbled arms and with crossed swords between the arms of the cross, obverse with a red enameled George cross within a raised white enameled central medallion, surrounded by black enameled rays emanating from the center, the reverse with a central silver medallion inscribed “FÜR VERDIENST” (For Merit), on a loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, measuring 43.65 mm (w) x 43.42 mm (h), weighing 22.2 grams, the red enamels on the obverse damaged, overall good/fine. Footnote: Only 584 of this particular class awarded - four between 1901-1908, 48 in 1914, 189 in 1915, 87 in 1916, 105 in 1917, and 151 in 1918. 

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.