Austria, Empire. An Order of the Iron Crown, Second Class, with War Decoration, by Rothe, c.1915

(Orden der Eisernen Krone, Ordenszeichen II. Klasse, mit Kriegsdekoration). Second Period 1914-1918 issue. Of multi-piece construction of bronze gilt, with red, green, white, blue, and black enamels; consisting of a double headed eagle surrounded by two laurel leaf stems, 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 with a five-pointed star denoting the award is constructed of bronze, also marked “Rothe” on the loop; measuring 33.79 mm (w) x 64.82 mm (h); weighing 29.8 grams with its ribbon; light flaking of the green enamels on the right laurel stem; in otherwise 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.