Austria, First Republic. A Merit Order I Class Grand Cross, Special Grade, By Anton Reiterer, C.1934

(Österreichischer Verdienstorden, Großkreuz). Instituted on September 29, 1934. (Issued 1934-1938). The grand cross sash badge consisting of a red enameled Seipel’s cross constructed of silver gilt, the obverse depicting a black enameled Austrian double headed eagle with a red-white-red enameled shield on its chest, suspended from a knurled ribbon suspension and a ring from its period original and full size sash ribbon, measuring 48.54 mm (w) x 51.58 mm (h), weighing 42.1 grams. Accompanied by its matching breast star, consisting of a eight-pointed multi-rayed star, with a black enameled Austrian double headed eagle with a red-white-red enameled shield on its chest, surrounded by the Coat of Arms of Austria’s nine states in multi-coloured enamels, the reverse plain, maker marked “Anton Reiterer, Juwilier Wien IX Schubertr. 34”, with a vertical pinback, a sheet metal hinge, and a broad wire catch, measuring 82.16 mm (w) x 81.62 mm (h), weighing 69.6 grams, the sash ribbon moderately soiled on the rosette, but in overall extremely fine condition and rare.

Footnote: Only five of the Special Grades were awarded. Recipients include Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg (1936), Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini (1936), Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Gömbös de Jákfa (1936), Cardinal Jusztinián György Serédi (1937), and Hungarian Prime Minister Kálmán Darányi (1937). Mussolini was instrumental in the institution of the Order; initially offered the Austrian Golden Merit Decoration (First Class), the Italian Prime Minister refused the award as beneath him, considering it suitable only for ministers. As an overture to Fascist Italy, the Austrian leadership established this elite grade of the Order, which was subsequently accepted by Mussolini. 

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.