Netherlands, Kingdom. A Military Order Of William (Mwo), 4Th Class Knight, C.1885

(Militaire Willems-Orde). Of quality French manufacture consisting of a four armed silver Maltese cross with white enamels and ball finials, with green enamelled Burgundy Cross between the arms, obverse centre with a Gold firesteel, with hand painted motto Voor Moed – Beleid – Trouw (For Bravery – Leadership – Loyalty), reverse centre in blue enamel depicting the crowned monogram ""W"" (for King William I) surrounded by a laurel wreath, French silver hallmarked with boars head on cross suspension, measuring 40 mm (w) x 63 mm (h - inclusive of silver crown, horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by hand engraved cross), extremely fine.

Footnote: Both the Burgundy Cross and the firesteel were symbols of the House of Valois-Burgundy during their lordship of the Netherlands and probably are meant to recall its crucial unifying role in the history of the Netherlands. The reverse central disc bears a crowned monogram ""W"" (for King William I) surrounded by a laurel wreath. The badge hangs from a royal crown.

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.