Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, II Class with Swords, c.1914

(Bayerische Militärverdienstorden, Bruststern zur 2. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted on July 19, 1866 by König Ludwig II. (Issued 1905-1918). A silver eight-pointed multi-rayed star with a set of crossed swords attached at the twelve o’clock position, the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gilt crowned cipher of King Ludwig III within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with gilt letters reading “MERENTI” (Latin - Merit), the reverse plain with six rivets visible, with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly, marked “Juweliere Gebr. Hemmerle vorm Elchinger, München” on the reverse, measuring 73.34 mm (w) x 72.93 mm (h), weighing 55.6 grams, with dark patina from age, in overall near 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.