Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, II Class with War Decoration, by A. E. Köchert, c.1917

(Orden der Eisernen Krone 2. Klasse). Instituted on 7 April 1815 by Emperor Franz I. Type 3. (1914-1918 Issue). In bronze gilt, consisting of the Lombard Iron Crown with green, red and white-enameled jewels, on which rests the two-headed Austrian eagle with sword and orb, with a blue enamelled central shield showing on the obverse the imperial initial F and on the reverse the year 1815, above rests the imperial crown firmly attached to the double-headed eagle, maker mark A.E. KÖCHERT WIEN and star hallmark indicating gilded bronze, measuring 32.62 mm (w) x 65.19 mm (h - inclusive of crown), suspended from a hollow swivel crown suspension from a horizontally pierced ball and flat suspension loop, presenting an unofficial war decoration constructed of green-enamel in the shape of a laurel wreath, with period original neck ribbon, and in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: By the end of 1917 (taking into account only awards from 1914-17), the number of members of the order for 2nd Class alive at a given time was 375 Austrian/Hungarians and 123 foreigners. See, M. Christian Ortner and Georg Ludwigstorff, Austrian Orders and Decorations, Part 1/Volume 2: The Imperial-Royal Orders up to 1918 (Verlag Militaria, 2017), 162.

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.