Waldeck, Principality. A Waldeck Merit Order Cross, Second Class

(Verdienstmedaille II. Klasse). Instituted 3.7.1857 by Duke George Victor. (1890-1896 issue). This is an extremely well-preserved Waldeck Merit Order Cross Second Class, composed of a silver gilt Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse with an eight-pointed black enameled star containing a white enameled medallion in the center bearing a red enameled “Anchor Cross of Pyrmont”, surrounded by a gold ring, the reverse with a silver gilt center medallion, inscribed “FÜR VERDIENST” ("FOR MERIT") in raised lettering, on a loop suspension, with its period original ribbon, measuring 43.66 mm (w) x 43.75 mm and weighing 19.7 grams, minor flecking of enamels but otherwise in 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.