Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross. Second Class With Swords And War Decoration, By V. Mayer

(Militärverdienstkreuz, II. Klasse, mit Schwertern, und Kriegsdekoration). A silver cross pattee with red and white enameled arms, with a green enameled laurel wreath and short silver swords between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion inscribed “VERDIENST” (German - Merit); the reverse fully enameled in white; on a double loop for suspension - marked “VM” and with a Diana’s head silver mark, as well a Vienna silver Assay mark; accompanied by a mint and unissued period original ribbon; measuring 40.89 (w) x 40.65 mm (h); weighing 34.5 grams; in overall better than 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.