Netherlands, Kingdom. Two Medals & Decorations

Hasselt Cross 1830-1831 (AKA Metal Cross): in bronze, measuring 29 mm (w) x 34 mm (h) inclusive of its ball suspension, original ribbon, contact marks and spotting; and Army Long Service Medal, Bronze Grade for Twelve Years' Service (Six in the Colonies): in bronze, measuring 37 mm, original ribbon, bruised. Together, very fine.

Footnote: The Hasselt Cross was instituted by Royal Order no. 70 on September 12, 1831 and awarded to participants in the war against Belgium of 1830-1831. Its official name is the Metalen Kruis (Metal Cross) but it is popularly known as the Hasselt Kruis (Hasselt Cross) since the bronze for the cross came from Belgian cannon captured during the Battle of Hasselt on August 8, 1831. At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, at which the Great Powers laid out the post-Napoleonic European map, Belgium became part of the new Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, the French-speaking Catholic elements of the population became increasingly disenchanted with the rule of the Dutch-speaking Protestant King Willem I and a rebellion started in Brussels in 1830. Belgian independence was declared and Dutch forces invaded but withdrew at the insistence of France and Britain. The independence of Belgium with Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as king was ratified at the London Conference of 1830-1831. The Army Long Service Medal was instituted on February 19, 1825 and was issued in three grades: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

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.