Netherlands, Kingdom. A Military Order of William, Fourth Class Knight, c.1945

(Militaire Wiliems-Orde, Ridder 4. Klasse). Issued 1815-2016. A silver gilt Maltese cross with ball finals, with a green enameled Burgundy Cross between the arms; the obverse with a silver gilt fire-steel crown; the arms of the cross inscribed “VOOR - MOES - BELEID - TROUW” (Dutch - For Bravery - Leadership - Loyalty) in silver gilt lettering; the reverse with a central blue enameled medallion depicting the crowned monogram for King William I within an open ended laurel wreath; suspended from arabesques and a hollow swivel crown, as well as a horizontally pierced loop for suspension from its period original ribbon; with the Dutch silver hallmark “II Z” on the suspension for “835” silver purity; measuring 42.32 mm (w) x 64.92 mm (h); weighing 27.6 grams; in overall 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.