Austria, Imperial. A Leopold Order, Knight’s Cross With War Decoration, Multiple Award Bar, & Swords, By C.f. Rothe, C.1917

(Österreichisch-kaiserlicher Leopold-Orden, Ritterkreuz). Instituted on 8 January 1808. Type III. (1914-1918 Issue). A bronze gilt Leopold Cross (a cross pattée with slightly concave ends to the arms) with red enamelled arms bordered in white enamel, the obverse centre presents the initials FIA, circumscribed by the inscription INTEGRITATE ET MERITO (INTEGRITY AND MERIT) over a ring of white enamel, the reverse centre presents a central medallion bearing the inscription OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM (THE POWER OF RULERS LIES IN THE HEARS OF THEIR SUBJECTS), within a golden wreath of oak leaves, adorned by a detailed Austrian crown in addition to green enameled laurels, maker mark C.F. Rothe on suspension ring, star hallmark on reverse, measures 31.33 mm (w) x 60.43 mm (h - inclusive of crown and horizontally pierced ball suspension), weighing 11.9 grams, on loop for suspension from period original triangular ribbon, with metal bar indicating multiple awards, with crossed swords, and 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.