Hungary, Kingdom. An Order Of Merit, Ii Class Commander Star, C.1940

(Magyar Érdemrend). Instituted in 1922. (Post 1935 Issue). A multiple faceted ray silver star, obverse centre featuring a white enameled cross with green boarders, centre medallion presenting a silver gilt Patriarchal cross on a red enameled background with a surround of green laurels, reverse with principle pin assembly, measuring 78 mm (w) x 77 mm (h), near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Merit of the Kingdom of Hungary was established on June 14, 1922 by the Regent of the Kingdom of Hungary, Vice Admiral Miklós Horthy. After its establishment, the rules of the order were changed numerous times. On December 23, 1935, it became an official distinction recognizing both civil and military accomplishments. From on 1939 to 1944, the highest degree of the order, the Grand Cross with the Holy Crown of Stephen, was awarded to both chiefs of state (i.e. monarchs of presidents) or heads of government (i.e. prime ministers and chancellors). In addition, the class of the Holy Crown and the Collar was instituted which was awarded exclusively to chiefs of state. All classes of the order could be awarded in recognition of military distinction, the military "division" of the order having crossed swords and a different ribbon which was mostly red rather than the green of the civil division. After the Hungarian monarchy was formally abolished following the abdication of Admiral Horthy and the defeat of Hungary in the Second World War on September 14, 1946, the National Assembly of Hungary disestablished the order and replaced it by the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. After the Communist take over of Hungary and the promulgation of the new Hungarian constitution on August 20, 1949, the new order was disestablished. Following the collapse of the Communist regime in Hungary in 1989, a new order, known as Order of Merit of Hungary was established. Though it has a similar appearance, this is a new order and not a re-establishment of the previous order.

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.