Lippe, Principality. A Leopold Order Honour Cross, Fourth Class, c.1917

(Leopold Orden IV. Klasse). Issued 1913-1918. A silver Maltese cross; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a red enameled Lippian rose, surrounded by a blue enameled ring, inscribed “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (German - For loyalty and service); the reverse with a crowned royal cipher of Ludwig; on a loop for suspension - marked “900” for silver content; suspended from a period original ribbon; measuring 45.50 mm (w) x 46.12 mm (h); weighing 26.3 grams; light to moderate chipping to the blue enamels on the obverse; in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: With a total of 153 of this Leopold Order Honour Cross Fourth Class awarded.

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.