Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Commander’s Star in Gold, by V. Mayer & Sohne

(Franz Joseph Orden). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. A silver star consisting of eight clusters of faceted rays in the arms, the obverse superimposed insignia in 18K Gold features a red-enamelled cross with the imperial double-headed eagle, partially enameled 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, surmounted by the Austrian imperial crown, reverse presents a vertical pinback assembly, the pin is marked A denoting Vienna manufacture, with the central reverse cartouche of VINC MAYER’S SOHNE, base also marked C denoting Commander class, measures 78.5 mm (w) x 79.1 mm (h), weighs 43.4 grams, enamels intact, functional hinge and clasp, dark patina on the arms, a rare decoration in extremely fine condition.