Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Knights of Malta, Merit Neck Badge with War Decoration, by Rothe

(Souveräner Malteseorden). A silver gilt Latin cross consisting of white enamels, with rounded ends, the obverse with a central red enameled medallion depicting a white enamelled Maltese cross, surrounded by a ring of white enamels, inscribed MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT. BENE MERENTI (WELL MERITING THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA), the reverse with a similar red enameled medallion, dated 1916, surrounded by a ring of white enamels depicting an open ended wreath, marked on ring with initials FR for Rothe, measuring 40.75 mm (w) x 50.38 mm (h), weighing 15.7 grams, on a loop for suspension from its period original war decoration neck ribbon, and 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.