Austria, Imperial. A Red Cross Officer's Decoration, First Class, c.1914

1864-1914 Issue. In silver and red, white, and green enamels; the obverse consisting of a central white enameled medallion with a red enameled red cross on the obverse, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “Patriae Ac Humanitati” in silver gilt lettering; the arms of the cross enameled with white enamels on the outer edge and red enamels on the interior of the arms, with a green enameled war decoration set onto the cross, consisting of laurel and oak leaves; the reverse plain, but with two of the cross’ arms inscribed “1864” and “1914”, with a silver hallmark denoting “900” silver purity and “1872-1922” manufacture, with a maker mark reading “GAS” for “G.A.Scheid, Wien”; measuring 46.93 mm (w) x 56.82 mm (h); weighing 32.3 grams; slight contact marks to the enamels, but without chipping or flaking of any kind; 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.