This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
A grouping of two Austrian Imperial Merit Crosses, consisting of 1) (Verdienstkreuz IV. Klasse). Instituted 1849 by Franz Joseph I. (1914-1918 Issue). Constructed of a hollow bronze gilt Ruppert Cross with rounded edges, with red enameled arms on the obverse and reverse, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion, inscribed “FJ” (Franz Josef) in capital gilt lettering, surrounded by a gilt ring, and an ornately decorated white ring of enamels and a stylized motto of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“Union is Strength”), the reverse with a similar white enameled medallion, dated “1849” in gilt numbers, surrounded by a narrow gilt ring, with a wider pebbled gilt ring followed by a narrow gilt band, on a loop for suspension with period original tri-fold red ribbon, maker clearly marked on suspension loop as “Wilhelm Kunz, Wien”, with a star engraving indicating it is manufactured of gilt bronze, measuring 33 mm (h) x 30 mm (w), slight loosening of the centre enamel fixture is evident but the Cross is in otherwise near extremely fine condition. 2) (Kriegsverdienstkreuz IV. Klasse) Instituted 1849 by Franz Joseph I. (1914-1918 Issue). Constructed of a hollow silvered bronze Ruppert Cross with rounded edges, with red enameled arms on the obverse and reverse, the obverse with a central pebbled medallion, inscribed “FJ” (Franz Josef) in capital silvered lettering, surrounded by a silvered ring, and an ornately decorated ring of a raised stylized motto of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“Union is Strength”), the reverse with a similar medallion, dated “1849” in raised silvered numbers, surrounded a narrow ring, followed by a pebbled silver ring, finishing with another silver ring, on a loop for suspension with period original tri-fold red and white ribbon indicative of War status, unmarked, measuring 39.5 mm (h) x 35.5 mm (w), minor scratching and tarnishing of the silver finish is evident but the Cross is in otherwise 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.