Austria, Imperial. A Silver Merit Cross with Crown, by F. Braun of Vienna, c.1917

Type II. A well preserved example of a Silver Merit Cross with Crown (Silbernes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone); a silver cross with red enameled arms, with a central silver medallion inscribed “FJ” for “Franz Josef”, circumscribed by “Viribus Unitis” (Latin - Stand United); the reverse with a similar central silver medallion dated “1849”; on a swivel crown and loop for suspension - marked “F. Braun, Wien”; with a correct replacement ribbon; measuring 36.55 mm (w) x 55.44 mm (h); weighing 14.7 grams; the enamels well preserved, with a small chip in the enamels on the lower portion of the reverse of the twelve o’clock arm; in overall 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.