Austria, Imperial. A Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Knight, C.1930

(Militär Maria Theresien Orden). Instituted on June 18, 1757 by Empress Maria Theresia. Constructed in 18Kt. solid GOLD (tested) and enamels, in the form of a Genfer Kreuz (Geneva Cross) with waved arm finials, the obverse with a round central medallion depicting the Austrian national colours (red-white-red) in enamels, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels, inscribed “FORTITUDINI” (Fortitude) in Gold capital lettering, the reverse with a round white enameled medallion inscribed “MTF” for “Maria Theresia Franciscus” in GOLD, surrounded by a green ring of enamels, the arms of the cross enameled in white on the obverse and reverse, suspended from a three-loop suspension from its ribbon, measuring 32.00 mm (w) x 34.48 mm (h), weighing 8.9 grams, with light contact marks throughout, and with a minuscule chip in the white enamels of the twelve o’clock arm on the reverse, slightly worn, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This piece is referenced starting on page 277 in “Austrian Orders and Decorations” by M. Christian Ortner and Dr. Georg Ludwigstorff.

Footnote: Knight’s Cross comes with Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Dr. Georg Ludwigstorff.