Austria, Imperial. An Order of Leopold, Knight’s Cross with Swords

(Österreichisch-kaiserlicher Leopold-Orden). Instituted 1808. Type III. (1861-1918). Civil Division. In bronze gilt, a beautiful red and white enamelled cross, the obverse medallion presenting the inscription FIA surrounded by a white ring inscribed INTEGRITATI ET MERITO, the reverse medallion features a white field inscribed OPES REGUM CORA SUBDITO RUM, surrounded by a gilt wreath, the badge is suspended from a large crown with an interior red enamelled cap, a green enamelled wreath below and waving pendilia on each side, measures 31.4 mm (w) x 61.6 mm (h), the worn on a trifold ribbon with crossed swords device, enamel damage to interior cap of crown and replacements to obverse medallion, areas of gilt wear, remains a scarce decoration in better than very fine condition.