Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of Civil Merit, Grand Cross, by J.Schwerdtner , c.1940

Instituted 1891. Type II. 1908-1944 Issue. A four armed bronze gilt Pisan cross in white enamels, with oak leaves and acorns in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting the white enameled monogram of the founder Knyaz Ferdinand on red enameled background, white enameled surround with insription ЗА граждански ЗАСЛУГА (For Civil Merit), reverse centre presenting the crowned Bulgarian Lion on red enameled background, with surround presenting the orders institution date, adorned by large imperial crown with red enameled interior and decorated with enameled jewels, measuring 75 mm (w) x 110 mm (h - inclusive of crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension with cross), on original silk sash, extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, a large silver star composed of four multirayed arms, with separately affixed clusters of bronze gilt rays in each quadrant, obverse centre Pisan cross in white enamels, with oak leaves and acorns in each quadrant, presenting the white enameled monogram of the founder Knyaz Ferdinand on red enameled background, white enameled surround with insription ЗА граждански ЗАСЛУГА (For Civil Merit), reverse with pin assembly, makers cartouche for J.Schwerdtner, Wien, old museum identification mark "BULGARIA", with single ray cluster slightly loose and enamel loss to obverse centre, otherwise very fine.

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.