France. A Volunteer Combatant's Cross for the Franco-Prussian War, Type II (1870-1871)

A bronze, type II with "1870-1871" Franco-Prussian War reverse centrepiece, cornucopia hallmarked and marked "BR" on the bottom arm on the reverse, 33.7 mm, original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Volunteer Combatant's Cross was instituted in 1935, designated for those who volunteered to serve in the First World War. It was later expanded to include those who volunteered to serve during the Franco-Prussian War and the Second World War. It was issued in three versions: Type I for the First World War (1914-1918), Type II for the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and Type III for the Second World War (1939-1945).

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.