Austria, Imperial. A Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta, Gold Merit Cross, c.1916

(Souveräner Malteseorden, Goldenes Verdienstkreuz). In bronze gilt, consisting of an Anchor Cross, the arms with pebbled borders, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a Maltese Cross circumscribed by an inscription of “MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI” (“MILITARY ORDER OF MERIT”), the reverse with an analogous medallion bearing a date of “1916” inside of a laurel wreath, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop accommodating a suspension ring with the decorations period original tri-fold ribbon, unmarked, measuring 39.82 mm (w) x 43.96 mm (h), weighing 14.9 grams, in near 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.