Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, III Class with Small Decoration, by A.E. Köchert, c.1915

(Kaiserlicher Orden der Eisernen Krone III. Klasse; mit Kleindekoration zur Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern). Instituted in 1815 by Emperor Franz I. (Issued 1815-1918). Third Class badge with War decoration, Of multi-piece construction, consisting of bronze gilt with red, green, white, blue, and black enamels, presenting as a double-headed, Habsburg-style imperial eagle, with a blue enameled shield on its chest bearing a gilt letter “F”, with sword and orb in its talons, flanked on each side by a green enameled laurel branch wreath, above a pedestal with enameled jewel designs, suspended from a gilt and enameled crown, reverse pendalia maker marked “A.E. Köchert, Wien”, with its period original triangular ribbon, featuring gilt crossed swords and “Kleindekoration” 2nd Class with Swords, attached to ribbon by means of two pins; badge measuring 30.44 mm (w) x 56.45 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, minor tarnishing of gilt and some flecking of enamels evident, otherwise in extremely fine condition. A typical WW1 period issue badge and small decoration.

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.