Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, III Class in Gold, by Rothe, c.1900

(Orden der Eisernen). Instituted on 7 April 1815 by Emperor Franz I. Type III. (1860-1918 Issue). Civil Division. A III Class Order of the Iron Crown constructed of 18K Gold, consists of the Lombard Iron Crown presenting green, red and white-enamelled jewels, on which rests the two-headed Austrian eagle with sword and orb, with a blue enamelled central shield showing on the obverse the imperial initial F and on the reverse the year 1815, above rests the imperial crown firmly attached to the double-headed eagle, measuring 29.15 mm (w) x 55.50 mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned horizontally pierced ball on crown suspension), weighs 21.09 grams, marked FR on the ring and pendilia denoting Rothe manufacture, Austrian Gold fineness mark on the ring and pendilia as well, worn on an original triangular ribbon via an oval loop decorated with white enamel dots, enamels intact, a very rare decoration in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in a Vincent Mayer’s Sohne case, red pebbled exterior marked OESTERR. KAISERLICHER ORDEN DER EISERNEN KRONE III.CLASSE, interior with a white silk lid marked V.MAYER’S SOHNE, black velvet medal bed, measures 65 mm (w) x 125 mm (h) x 22 mm (d), minor wear, extremely fine.