" Austria, Imperial. A Memorial Cross for Kaiser and King Franz Joseph, 2nd Class, c.1916"

An example of an Imperial Austrian Memorial Cross for Kaiser Franz Joseph I Second Class “Erinnerungskreuz an Kaiser und König Franz Joseph I Zweite Klasse”; constructed of silver and silvered bronze; the obverse consisting of a cross pattee, with sun rays emanating from the centre of the cross and laurel leaves bordering the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central silvered bronze medallion depicting the rightward facing bust of Franz Joseph, circumscribed “In Memoriam” (Latin - In Memorial), dated “1848-1916”; the reverse plain, with a single rivet visible on the reverse; its vertical pinback broken off, but the hinge and catch still present; with a collector’s tag attached to the reverse; measuring 51.97 mm (w) x 51.88 mm (h); in overall near very 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.