Austria, Empire. An Iron Crown Order, Iii Class With War Decoration & Swords, By Vincent Mayer, C.1915

(Orden der Eisernen Krone Ordenszeichen III Klasse, mit Schwertern). Issued 1914-1918. Multi-piece construction of bronze gilt, with red, green, white, blue and black enamels; consisting of a double headed eagle with crossed swords above their heads, with a shield on the chest of the eagle, consisting of blue enamels and the letter “F”, with a crown in its talons and multi-coloured enamels, with a green enameled open-ended laurel wreath denoting a war decoration; the reverse of the eagle with a second shield, dated “1815” within a bed of blue enamels; suspended from a partially enameled crown and a loop for suspension - marked “VM” for “Vincent Mayer”, and with a star, denoting bronze manufacture; suspended from a period original tri-fold ribbon with crossed swords; measuring 29.51 mm (w) x 58.49 mm (h); weighing 16.6 grams; in overall extremely fine condition. 

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.