Bavaria. A Royal Merit Order of St. Michael Knight’s Cross First Class; First Pre-1887 Type

A Bavarian Royal Merit Order of St. Michael Knight’s Cross First Class; First Type (1837-1887); in gold cross pattée with blue enamels; with a center blue enameled applique with gold lettering reading “Quis Ut Deus” (Latin - Who [is] like God?); with “PFFP” in gold lettering on the arms of the cross, and with gold lightning bolts between the arms; the reverse with a center blue enameled applique with gold lettering reading “Virtuity” (Latin - Virtue); suspended from a swivel crown suspension; with a horizontally-pierced ball and ring suspension; with its period original ribbon with a paper tag reading “Bavaria Order of St. Michael Knight I Class Before 1887” on the reverse; measuring 38.52 mm (w) x 62.09 mm (h - with crown suspension); weighing 15.2 grams; light flaking in the enamels on the bottom arm of the reverse; better than 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.