Austria, Empire. An Order of the Knights of Malta, Merit Badge with War Decoration

(Souveräner Malteseorden). Neck Decoration worn on Breast. A silver gilt Latin cross consisting of white enamels, with rounded ends; the obverse with a central red enameled medallion depicting a white enameled Maltese cross, surrounded by a ring of white enamels, inscribed “MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI” (Latin - Military Order of Merit); the reverse with a similar red enameled medallion, dated “1916”, surrounded by a ring of white enamels depicting an open ended wreath; on a loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with a small war decoration attached; measuring 40.38 mm (w) x 50.68 mm (h); weighing 18.3 grams; in overall 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.