Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Commander in Gold, c.1880

(Franz Joseph Orden, Komturkreuz). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Type I. (Issued 1849-1914). An excellent quality 18K Gold cross with red-enamelled arms, with the imperial double-headed eagle, partially enamelled in black, shown in the angles of the cross, the two heads of the eagle bear in their beaks a loop of chain with the emperor’s motto “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”) applied at the lower edge, the white-enamelled central medallion shows the letters “FJ” for Franz Joseph,  reverse presents a white-enamelled central medallion bearing the date “1849,” surmounted by the Austrian imperial crown with delicate enamel details, marked on the ring “OR” denoting the maker, gold hallmark of a goat’s head between the number “3” and letter “A” denoting Vienna between 1872 and 1922, measures 36.95 mm (w) x 67.65 mm (h), 24.70 grams, worn on a replacement neck ribbon, enamels intact on the cross with very minor enamel wear on the crown, in extremely fine condition.