Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Knight with Officer Miniature,by Rothe, c.1914

(Franz Joseph Orden, Komturkreuz). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Type II (1914-1918). A scarce decoration, in silver gilt, a knight with red enamelled arms with the imperial double-headed eagle, partially enamelled in black, shown in the angles of the cross, the two heads of the eagle bear in their beaks a loop of chain with the emperor’s motto “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”) applied at the lower edge, the white-enamelled central medallion shows the letters “FJ” for Franz Joseph,  reverse presents a white-enamelled central medallion bearing the date “1849,” surmounted by a crown with internal red enamelled cap, measures 32.0 mm (w) x 58.3 mm (h), worn on original military division ribbon with Officers small decoration in red and white enamels with green war decoration below the crown, and crossed swords device denoting meritorious service in the face of an enemy, the cross bears some gilt wear (specifically on the crown, but also on the cross), remains a lovely decoration in better than very fine condition.