Austria, Imperial. An Order Of Franz Joseph, Iii Class Knight With Commander Miniature By Rothe, C. 1918

(Franz Joseph Orden Ritterkreuz). Instituted December 12 1849 by Kaiser Franz Joseph. Military Division. Type II (1914-1918).  A silver gilt Byzantine cross with broad ends, with a double-headed crowned black enamelled eagle, with a central white enamelled medallion inscribed “FJ” in gilt, along with a multi-link chain suspended from the eagles’ mouth with letters attached, spelling “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (United Strength), the reverse of the cross with a central white enamelled medallion dated “1849” in gilt, with a crown suspension with red enamelled interior cap, maker marked on the crown’s pendilia for Rothe, with a silver mark denoting Viennese manufacture and a silver purity of 800/1000 from 1872-1922, also marked on the suspension ring, measures 31.58mm (w) x 57.62mm (h – inclusive of crown suspension), weighs 20.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), worn on a military style ribbon with a miniature commander with gold swords, measuring 31.05mm (w) x 21.05mm (h), enamels intact, evident gilt wear, in very fine condition.

Contained in it’s original hardshell case of issue, with a burgundy exterior marked F.J.O, interior presents a crème coloured velvet medal bed with interior silk lid stamped with makers mark, measures 59.8mm (w) x 111.10mm (h), hinge and clasp functional, small rip in silk covering hinge, small marks to exterior, in very fine condition.