Belgium, Kingdom. A Civic Decoration, Gold Grade Medal, 1st Class

Type III with Monogram of Albert I. In bronze gilt, measuring 33.7 mm (w) x 43.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crossed swords and ball suspension, ""1914-1918"" clasp on its original First War service ribbon, light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Civic Decoration is a civilian decoration of the Kingdom of Belgium. It was first established by royal decree on July 21, 1867, to reward exceptional acts of bravery, devotion or humanity. A further royal decree of January 15, 1885 extended the award to state civil servants for long service by a mere change of ribbon. The award statute was once again amended by royal decree in 1902 to include long service in the Civic Guard and firefighters, each with its distinctive ribbon. Two wartime variants were created to reward civilians who distinguished themselves during the World Wars. The Civic Decoration 1914-1915 (later dated 1918) was created on May 18, 1915, to reward civilians and non-combatants who served their country with distinction during the First World War. A similar Decoration was also established for the Second World War on July 21, 1944 by the Belgian government in exile. The Civic Decoration, previously solely awarded by Royal Decree, has been awarded directly by regions and communities since the 1993 federalization of Belgium. It is awarded in five classes: Gold Grade Cross 1st Class, Silver Grade Cross 2nd Class, Gold Grade Medal 1st Class, Silver Grade Medal 2nd Class, and Bronze Grade Medal 3rd Class.

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.