This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Bayerische Militärverdienstorden, I. Klasse, in Gold). Issued 1905-1918. A hollow Gold Maltese cross with blue enameled arms and with Gold flames between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a silver gilt crowned cipher of King Ludwig III, surrounded by a broad white enameled ring in the form of a buckled belt, inscribed “MERENTI” (Latin - Merit), in Gold lettering; the reverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a silver gilt crowned Bavarian lion within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt in Gold numbers, reading “1866”, suspended from a silver gilt structure composed of arabesques; on a silver gilt loop for suspension from its period original sash ribbon; marked “Geb. Hemm” for “Gebrüder Hemmerle” and “750” for gold content; measuring 67.10 mm (w) x 67.15 mm (h); in overall better than extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of Military Merit First Class was constructed of 18kt (“750”) gold until 1916.
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.