Austria, Imperial. An Order Of The Iron Crown, I Class Star, C.1855

(Orden der Eisernen Krone). Instituted in 1805. Re-established in 1815. Type II (1838-1860). Displaying an early design in a reduced size, a very scarce eight-pointed silver star with smooth rays and pebbled frame, obverse featuring a centrepiece in Gold presenting a superposed central “Iron Crown” with details of multi-coloured enamels also in Gold, on a pebbled Gold background surrounded by an enameled blue broad ring inscribed “AVITA ET AUCTA” (Inherit and Multiply), in Gold capital letters, surrounded by a jewel-cut striped elegant Gold ring, plain reverse with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly, measuring 75.77 mm (w) x 74.30 mm (h), presenting minor tarnished silver and light contact from period wear, otherwise in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A near exact I Class Star is presented and published in Spada, Antonio. "Onori e Glorie", Vol. "Francia, Russia, Austria", pag. 294, Grafo Edizioni, 1983. This example is described as a rare set formally belonged to H. E. Count Alberto Crivelli as a First Class Knight of the Order of the Iron Crown c.1860.

The Order of the Iron Crown was originally established by Napoleon I on June 5, 1805, just a few days after his coronation as the King of Italy. This order was awarded for services to the crown in military, administration, arts and literature. The Order was extended to military merit in 1860 when the War Decoration was incorporated within the order for meritorious service in direct combat with the enemy. This consisted of a Laurel wreath. Finally, the crossed Swords were introduced in 1917 as a further distinction for personal bravery before the enemy.