This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
A grouping of two first war period Austrian awards and decorations, consisting of 1) A Military Merit Cross Third Class (Militärverdienstkreuz); constructed of silver, with a silver laurel wreath war decoration between the arms of the cross, with a white enameled center medallion, inscribed “VERDIENST” (German - Merit), surrounded by a red ring of enamels; the reverse with white enamels; with a loop for suspension from its correct replacement ribbon with a repetition clasp and crossed swords; marked “FR” for “C.F. Rothe, Wien”, with an illegible silver purity mark; measuring 30.40 mm (w) x 30.47 mm (h); weighing 13.6 grams. 2) An Iron Merit Cross; constructed of feinzink; a solid cross, inscribed “FJ” for “Franz Joseph” on the obverse, surrounded by a ring, inscribed “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (Latin - Joining Forces); the reverse dated “1916”; on a loop for suspension from its period original ribbon; measuring 35.48 mm (w) x 40.06 mm (h); weighing 14.6 grams; the military merit cross with slightly chipped enamels on the reverse; in overall near very 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.