Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Officer’s Cross with War Decoration, by Vincenz Mayer’s Söhne, c.1910

(Kaiserlich-Österreichischer Franz-Joseph-Orden, Offizierskreuz). Instituted in 1901 by Kaiser Franz Joseph. (Issued 1901-1918). A bronze gilt cross with double-headed crowned Habsburg-style imperial eagle with black enameled feathering, with a central white enameled medallion inscribed “FJ, along with chains and “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“UNITED STRENGTH”) inscribed in raised gilt lettering, topped with a partially enameled gilt crown fastened to the twelve o’clock arm, with green enameled interior wreath denoting a lower grade war decoration, reverse with a raised barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, with a central Habsburg royal warrant circumscribed by maker’s mark “VINC. MAYER’S SÖHNE, WIEN”, also marked with asterix on pin and reverse talon, measuring 40.18 mm (w) x 72.36 mm (h), weighing 30.7 grams, with only minor enamel contact from period wear, strong gilt, extremely 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.