Austria, Empire. A Franz Joseph Order, Commander with Lower Grade War Decoration, by V. Mayer, c.1918

(Franz Joseph Orden Kommaneurkreuz, mit Kleiner Kriegsdekoration). Instituted on December 2, 1849 by Franz Joseph I. (Issued 1849-1918). A bronze gilt cross with double headed crowned eagle in gilt bronze, with a central white enameled medallion inscribed “FJ” in gilt, surrounded by a post war, privately added green enameled ring denoting “Lesser War Decoration”, along with chains and “Viribus Unitis” (Latin - United Strength) inscribed in gilt, the reverse of the cross with a a central white enameled medallion dated “1849”, with a swivel crown suspension and its shortened period original neck ribbon, marked “Mayer’s Söhne, Wien”, and a star denoting bronze gilt manufacture 37.58 mm (w) x 70.11 mm (h - including its swivel crown), with adhesive residue and light soldering around green war decoration, near very fine.

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.