Austria, Empire. Order Of Leopold With War Decoration, Lower Class Grand Cross Sash

(Kaiserlich-österreichischer Leopold Orden mit Kriegsdekoration). Instituted in 1808. Model 1901-1918. Produced during the mid 20th Century, fabricated from silk, incorporating a decorative moiré pattern, with a central rose red field flanked by narrow white stripes, the edges trimmed in wide rose red stripes, a large circular rosette backed by a ribbon tie sewn in place near the bottom end for the placement of the badge, measuring 89 mm wide x 820 mm in length, vibrant colours, intact stitching, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold was instituted on July 14, 1808 by Kaiser Franz I and was discontinued in 1919. It was awarded for military and civil merit, in four grades: Grand Cross, First Class, Commander and Knight, with Crossed Swords indicating an award for bravery in the face of the enemy.

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.