This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Bayerische Militärverdienstorden I Klasse). Instituted 19 July 1866. (1905-1918 Issue). An exquisite award consisting of a hollow Gold Maltese cross with blue enameled arms and hand etched Gold flames in each quadrant, centre obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a crowned cipher of King Ludwig III and surrounded by a broad white enameled ring in the form of a buckled belt, inscribed MERENTI (MERIT), in Gold lettering, reverse centre with a black enameled medallion bearing a crowned Bavarian lion within a white-enameled border in the form of a buckled belt in Gold numbers, reading 1866, suspended from a Gold structure composed of arabesques, 6 o'clock arm marked GEB H 750 denoting manufacturer Gebrüder Hemmerle and Gold content, also marked on elongated suspension loop with 585 Gold and G.H., measuring 67.27 mm (w) x 72.72 mm (h), 44.3 grams, GH 858, on period silk sash, 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.

