Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Knight’s Cross, by Wilhelm Kunz, c.1900

(Franz-Joseph Orden, Ritterkreuz). Instituted 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of bronze gilt with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a double-headed Habsburg-style imperial eagle, the obverse of which is clutching a length of chain between its beaks with bottom inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”), overlaid by a red enameled Ruppert Cross, with a central white enameled medallion with gilt initials “FJ”, the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt date of “1849”, the twelve o’clock arm with a gilt and enameled crown with a suspension loop connecting to its period original triangular ribbon, suspension loop with a partially-obscured maker’s mark reading “Wilh. Kunz”, measuring 31.65 mm (w) x 56.82 mm (h), weighing 13.5 grams, minor tarnishing evident, old gold test on 9 o'clock arm, otherwise in 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.