Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, I Class Star with Gold Center, c.1860

(Orden der Eisernen Krone). Instituted in 1805. Re-established in 1815. Type II (1838-1860). Displaying an early design, 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, marked C. ROTHE / WIEN, measuring 77.3 mm (w) x 76.3 mm (h), weighs 34.95 grams, presenting minor tarnished silver, intact enamels, otherwise in extremely fine condition and very scarce.