Austria, Imperial. An Honour Decoration of the Red Cross, Merit Star with War Decoration

(Ehrenzeichen vom Roten Kreuz). Instituted on 22 August 1914. A vaulted silver Latin cross, inside the edge of the cross is a wide band of opaque white enamel, inside the white portion of the cross is the body of the cross, which is enamelled transparent red, a fine chased line of silver separates the white and red portions of the cross, between the arms of the cross are bundles of silver rays, each bundle is composed of seven diamond cut rays with the center rays being longer than the rest, passing over the arms of the cross and under the rays is a green enamelled wreath composed of laurel on the viewers right and oak on the left, the wreath is tied at the bottom with a silver bow and has red enamelled berries, the obverse centre presents a silver edged circle of transparent red enamel 20 mm in diameter on which is inscribed in silver letters PATRIAE AC HVMANITATI (Patriotism and Humanity), inside the circle is a silver edged transparent red enameled Geneva cross on a white opaque enameled background, the reverse centre presents a white and red enamelled medallion bearing the dates 1864 and 1914, presenting a vertical principle pin assembly, hallmarked on the pin and catch with an Austrian import mark denoting Vienna from 1901-1921, measuring 58.41 mm (w) x 72.84 mm (h), weighing 54.10 grams, presenting heavy loss of enamels on obverse of the cross and wreath, overall wear, and in poor 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.