Austria, Imperial. A Rare Feldmarschall Archduke Albrecht Badge, 1899

A beautiful and very rare badge in silver, presenting a delicately etched laurel wreath with upward facing leaves, an archducal crown at 12 o’clock and a stylised ribbon at 6 o’clock, two crossed field-marshal’s batons in the center of the badge, overlaid with an ‘a’ decoration featuring ornate raised interior details on a finely hatched background, the reverse presents a diagonal wartime replacement pin, with hollow crown, marked on the reverse of the ‘a’ which denotes Viennese manufacture, measures 40.70mm (w) x 60.55mm (h), weighs 27.4 grams, lovely quality and patina, a very scarce award in near extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Dr. Georg Ludwigstorff, author of “Austrian Orders and Decorations” and decoration specialist at Dorotheum.

Footnote: This badge was created by Franz Joseph I in 1895, to commemorate the individuals who personally served Archduke Albrecht, son of Archduke Carl and victor of the Battle of Custoza. In his final years, the Archduke Albrecht held the position of Inspector General of the k.u.k Army. This medal was only awarded to 34 men, 33 of which were officers and one military doctor. It was worn on the left badge and was made by the firm of F. Rothe and Nephew.

The history and the recipients of this badge are identified on page 184-189 of “Austrian Orders and Decorations: Part II/ Volume 2, The Imperial-Royal Official Decorations up to 1918” by M. Christian Ortner and Georg Ludwigstorff, published 2019.