Austria, Imperial. An Order Of Franz Joseph, Commander With War Decoration & Swords (Rothe Copy)

(Kaiserlich-österreichischer Franz-Joseph-Orden mit Schwertern). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Post 1945 Manufacture. Rothe Copy. In bronze gilt, a hollow four-armed cross with red enamels and gilded edges, presenting richly-detailed enameled black double-headed crowned eagle, clutching a length of chain with Order motto of VIRIBUS UNITIS (WITH UNITED FORCES) inscribed in gilded bronze, with a central white enamelled medallion inscribed FJ in gilded bronze letters, reverse of the cross with a central medallion dated 1849 in gilded bronze on a white enamelled background, surmounted by two silver crossed swords beneath of an Austrian Imperial crown suspension, measuring 38.10 mm (w) x 67.98 mm (h), on loop for suspension from neck ribbon, light contact, very fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of an eight-pointed multi-faceted star in silver, obverse featuring a silver gilt four-armed enameled red cross, adorned by an imperial double-headed eagle partially enameled in black, also featuring in the beaks a loop of chain with the emperor’s motto VIRIBUS UNITIS (Latin for United Strength), surmounted by two silver crossed sword beneath of an Austrian imperial crown partially enameled in red, obverse centre with a white enamelled medallion inscribed FJ for Franz Joseph, the star is encircled by a gilded laurel wreath denoting War Decoration, reverse centre with principle pin assembly, measuring 82.75 mm (w) x 82.50 mm (h), light contact and toned silver, very fine condition.