Austria, Imperial. An Order Of Franz Joseph, Knight, By V. Mayer Sohne, C.1890

(Kaiserlich-Österreischischer Franz-Joseph-Orden). Instituted December 2 1849. Type I (1849-1914). Civil Division. In Gold, a beautiful knight featuring a red enamelled cross with a black enamel double headed eagle in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents the initials FJ on a white enamel field while the reverse bears 1849 on a white enamel field, this medallion is on a hinge at 12 o’clock allowing a small pocket to be discovered, the cross is surmounted by a crown attached to a red triangular ribbon, measures 30.6mm (w) x 55.4mm (h), weighs 15.9 grams (including ribbon), marked on suspension ring with makers mark V.MAYERSOHNE WIEN and Austrian Gold hallmark denoting Austro-Hungarian manufacture between 1866-1922 for minor gold items of 760/1000 fineness, worn on a civil red triangular ribbon, enamels intact, a lovely knight in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in its original case of issue comprising a black leatherette exterior impressed F.J.O on the lid, the interior lid is a crème coloured silk marked V. MAYER’S SÖHNE, the base is a black velvet with recessed medalbed, measures 60mm (w) x 109.2mm (l) x 20.2mm (h), hinge and catch functional, light wear, in very fine condition.