Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, II Class with III Class War Decoration, by R. Marschall, c.1914

(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on 22 October 1849. II Period. 1914-1918 Issue. A silver cross pattée with white enamelled arms edged in red enamel, a gilded laurel wreath between the arms of the cross, the obverse centre features a white-enamelled medallion edged in red, with the word VERDIENST (MERIT) broken into VER and DIENST to fit the centre, the reverse is plain in white enamel, the link ring is stamped with two hallmarks: a hound’s head with the number 3 and letter A denoting Austrian .750 small articles dated 1872-1922, the other hallmark is illegible, maker marked on bottom edge of six o’clock cross arm with R. MARSCHALL, measuring 40.90 mm (w) x 45.12 mm (h), weighing 29.1 grams, on flat loop for suspension from period original ribbon, and in 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.