Croatia, Independent State. An Order of Merit, Third Class Badge, c.1942

Instituted 1942. Muslim Version. Men's Version. An ornately designed badge in the traditional Croatian wattle pattern, also known as the pleter or troplet, in silver consisting of six red enameled arms, obverse centre presenting a silver letter "U" with a flaming grenade with the Croatian šahovnica, together on a red enameled background, reverse presenting "Za Zasluge" (For Merit) with institution date of 10.4.1942, measuring 35 mm (w) x 47.2 mm (h - inclusive of enameled integral ring), with elongated suspension loop also presented in the wattle pattern, on period ribbon, worn, near 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.