Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, Third Class with War Decoration & Swords by C. F. Rothe, c.1915

1914-1918 issue. An extremely well preserved example of an Order of the Crown Third Class with War Decoration and Swords (Orden der Eisernen Krone Ordenszeichen III. Klasse); multi-piece construction of bronze gilt, with red, green, white, blue, and black enamels; consisting of a double headed eagle with crossed swords above their heads, with a shield on the chest of the eagle, consisting of blue enamels and the letter “F”, with a crown in its talons and multicolored enamels, the reverse of the eagle with a second shield, dated “1815” within a bed of blue enamels; all topped by a hollow and partially enameled swivel crown; marked “C.F. Rothe” on the ring; measuring 29.41 mm (w) x 56.38 mm (h); weighing 27.2 grams with its tri-fold ribbon featuring bronze clasp with crossed swords - marked "Zimbler-Wien" on the reverse; with light wear to the enamels from age including a small chip on the reverse, and light loss of gilt, in overall better than 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.