Austria, Imperial. A Silver Merit Medal for the Lower Austrian State Contingent, c.1797

A 1797 Issue. Small Version. Silver Merit Medal for the Lower-Austrian State Contingent “Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Niederösterreichischen Aufgebots”; a round silver medal; the obverse with a central rightward facing bust of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, circumscribed by his name and title; the obverse inscribed “I.N.Wirt. F.”; the reverse inscribed “Den Biederen Soehnen Oesterreichs des Landesvaters Dank MDCCXCVII” (German - The Honest Sons of Austria the Fatherland’s thanks” in capital lettering within an open-ended oak wreath; on loop for suspension with its correct replacement ribbon; small version measuring 39.58 mm in diameter; weighing 17.8 grams; light contact marks from wear; in overall 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.