Austria, I Republic. A Military Merit Cross I Class, By Anton Reitterer, C.1935

(Militärverdienstkreuz I Klasse). Instituted 22 October 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. (1849-1918 issue; ca. 1935 reissue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with finely-detailed red and white enameled arms, with a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised gilt inscription of “VERDIENST” (“MERIT”), within a red enameled ring, with a gilt laurel wreath set through the quadrants, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback stamped with a silver content number of “935” and a maker’s mark of “A-R” for the firm of Anton Reitterer, Vienna, measuring 61.13 mm (w) x 60.82 mm (h), weighing 75.2 grams, some flecking of enamels evident, along with age-appropriate oxidation of the silver features, in overall 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.