Austria, Empire. An Honour Decoration of the Red Cross, First Class, with WD, for Ladies, c.1914

(Ehrenzeichen vom Roten Kreuz, 1. Klasse, mit Kriegsdekoration). Instituted 1914. A Latin cross constructed of silver, with red and white enameled arms; the obverse consisting of a central white enameled medallion with a red enameled red cross, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “Patriae Ac Humanitati” (Latin - For Country and Humanity) in silver gilt capital lettering; the arms of the cross enameled with white enamels on the outer edge and red and red enamels on the interior of the arms; the reverse enameled in the same style, with a central white enameled medallion dated “1864-1914); suspended from a double loop suspension that is attached to the ladies ribbon; marked with the Austrian silver hallmark for “800” silver purity, as well as an illegible maker mark (possibly “FR” for “C. F. Rothe, Wien”); measuring 47.19 mm (w) x 60.87 mm (h); weighing 45.4 grams; with the enamels fully intact with only minor signs of wear; in overall better than 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.