Austria, Republic. A Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria Commander Cross by Anton Reitterer, Vienna

(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich, Komturkreuz), constructed of gold gilt with a white enameled cross pattée featuring four square cut-outs between the arms, the obverse displaying a smooth, even white enamel finish framed by a polished gilt border, the reverse of identical design, suspended from a gilt loop and integral suspension, on its full-length original red moiré ribbon with central white stripe configured for neck wear, housed in its original red fitted case with white cross device to the lid, the interior lined in cream fabric and stamped “Anton Reitterer, Juwelier, Gold- u. Silberschmied, Erzeugung von Ordensdekorationen, Wien IX, Schubertgasse 24” (Anton Reitterer, Jeweller, Gold and Silversmith, Manufacturer of Order Decorations, Vienna IX, Schubertgasse 24), the base lined in black with a later typed identification label reading “Austria Ordine al Merito (Commenda)”, measuring approximately 40.6 mm x 80.9 in height excluding suspension and weighing 40.6 grams, with the case alone being 67.8 mm x 127.8 mm, in extremely fine condition and bright enamels, with light wear to the case consistent with age.

Footnote: Instituted in 1952, the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria is the principal national award of the Austrian Republic, awarded in multiple classes for civil and military merit, with the Commander Cross representing a senior grade typically conferred upon high-ranking officials, diplomats, and distinguished individuals; Anton Reitterer of Vienna was a recognized jeweller and manufacturer of official order decorations, supplying high-quality insignia to the Austrian state during the post-war period.