(Militär Maria Theresien Orden). Instituted on June 18, 1757 by Empress Maria Theresia. Constructed in 18Kt. solid GOLD (tested) and enamels, in the form of a Genfer Kreuz (Geneva Cross) with waved arm finials, the obverse with a round central medallion depicting the Austrian national colours (red-white-red) in enamels, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels, inscribed “FORTITUDINI” (Fortitude) in Gold capital lettering, the reverse with a round white enameled medallion inscribed “MTF” for “Maria Theresia Franciscus” in GOLD, surrounded by a green ring of enamels, the arms of the cross enameled in white on the obverse and reverse, suspended from a three-loop suspension from its ribbon, measuring 32.00 mm (w) x 34.48 mm (h), weighing 8.9 grams, with light contact marks throughout, and with a minuscule chip in the white enamels of the twelve o’clock arm on the reverse, slightly worn, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This piece is referenced starting on page 277 in “Austrian Orders and Decorations” by M. Christian Ortner and Dr. Georg Ludwigstorff.

Footnote: Knight’s Cross comes with Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Dr. Georg Ludwigstorff.