Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Knight’s of Malta, Commander Cross Neck Badge, by Cravanzola, c. 1910

(Souveräner Ritter- und Hospitalorden vom Heiligen Johannes von Jerusalem, von Rhodos und von Malta). Exact institution date unknown. A superb cased Order of the Knight’s of Malta, Commander Cross, consisting of:

1. The Commander Cross Neck Badge. A Maltese Cross constructed of gilded silver with white enameled arms on the obverse and reverse, with fleur-de-lies between the arms of the cross, suspended from a large hollow swivel crown and an elaborate ribbon bearing the Coat of Arms of the Order, on a long longitudinal loop for suspension from its period original and full length neck ribbon, marked “925” for silver content, measuring 48.6 mm (w) x 47.9 mm (l). 

2. A miniature of the award, constructed of gilded silver, visually identical to the neck badge, unmarked, measuring 15.7 mm (w) x 15.8 mm (l).

3. A boutonniere with a crowned miniature of the award, measuring 14.0 mm in diameter. 

Contained in its original presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a lightly textured red faux leather (leatherette) exterior, the exterior of the case embossed with a Maltese Cross in white, the interior of the lid lined with off-white padded silk, embossed with “Cravanzola, Roma”, with a functional exterior paper hinge, intact interior fabric hinge cover, and functional exterior metal clasp closure, measuring 110 mm (w) x 193 mm (l).

A fine jeweller-made Order of the Knight’s of Malta, with the enamels well preserved and fully intact, in better than extremely fine condition.