Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Golden Fleece, Larger Version, by Rothe, c.1980

(Ritterorden vom Goldenen Vlies). Instituted on 10 January 1429. Post-1945. A gilt bronze badge consisting of a heraldic ram’s fleece, suspended from a deep black coloured-enamel flint, on either side of the flint are red-enamelled flames, attached to a partially-enamelled decorative link in the form a fire-steel, this shows, in relief, a portrayal of Jason fighting the dragon and, above it, the device PRAETIUM LABORUM NON VILE (NO MEAN REWARD FOR LABOURS), on the reverse is a portrayal in relief of Gideon fighting the Midianites and above it the inscription NON ALIUD (I WILL HAVE NO OTHER), measuring 66.93 mm (w) x 107.4 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), one red silk neck ribbon together with bronze gilt and enameled ribbon knot, with pleasing toning throughout, unmarked however exhibiting the manufacturing characteristics of Rothe, very fine.