China, War Lords Republic. A Xu Shichang Presidential Inauguration Medal, 1918

In hollow silver, with obverse depicting a tintype photograph of Xu Shichang at centre, with green and red surround, reverse with crossed flags, measuring 43.8 mm (w) x 56 mm (h - inclusive of suspension and horizontally pierced ball), with light contact to enamels, on correct period ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: Xu was Premier of the Republic of China (a position equivalent to Secretary of State) from 1914-1916. He was elected President in 1918. As a civilian, he had a very difficult task to balance relations with the various military factions, while performing his Presidential duties. He managed to accomplish this feat until 1922 when he was pressured out of office by the Zhili leader Cao Kun. 

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.