Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, First Class, By Braća Knaus, C.1942

Instituted 1942. Muslim Version. Ladies Issue. Badge of the order in the traditional Croatian wattle pattern, also known as the pleter or troplet, in silver consisting of six red enameled arms, obverse centre presenting a silver letter ""U"" with a flaming grenade with the Croatian šahovnica, together on a red enameled background, reverse presenting ""Za Zasluge"" (For Merit) with institution date of 10.4.1942, measuring 41 mm (w) x 56.2 mm (h - inclusive of enameled integral ring), with elongated loop also presented in the wattle pattern as well as silver bow suspension with original ribbon and broach pin, worn, near very fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of a frosted silver multirayed star, obverse centre presenting a six armed star in the wattle pattern, centre presenting a silver letter ""U"" with a flaming grenade with the Croatian šahovnica, together on a red enameled background, reverse with separately applied die stamped plate embossed with Za Zasluge"" (For Merit) with institution date of 10.4.1942, with pin assembly, pin maker marked BK for Braća Knaus (Brothers Knaus, Zagreb) as well as hallmarked with a lobster and Roman numeral ""III"" denoting .800 silver content, measuring 73 mm (w) x 74.6 mm (h), very fine. 

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.