Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, Second Class, with War Decoration and Swords, by R. Marschall

(Militärverdienstkreuz II. Grades mit Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern). A silver cross pattee with red and white enameled arms; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion, inscribed “VERDIENST” in gilt capital letters, surrounded by a ring of red enamels; with a green enameled laurel wreath surrounding the central medallion, along with small golden swords between the arms of the cross; the reverse enameled fully in white; on a broad loop for suspension from its period original ribbon; marked on the suspension ring with an old silver mark, as well as as “R.S”, and marked “R. Marschall” on the bottom of the six o’clock arm; suspended from a shortened period original ribbon; measuring 40.96 mm (w) x 45.85 mm (h); weighing 40.0 grams; 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.