Austria, Imperial. An Order Of The Iron Crown, Collar With Badge (Rothe Copy)

(Orden der Eisernen Krone). Instituted February 12, 1816 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. A Post-1945 Manufactured Rothe Copy. A bronze gilt collar, likely of Rothe manufacturing, composed of thirty-six total links, alternating between an oval laurel wreath, a crown detailed with red, green and white enamels, and “FP” (Franciscus Primus), the reverse of each link mirrors the obverse except for the “FP” links which present detailed hand engraved lines and cross hatching, with the central link displaying an oak leaf cluster in a knot formation with the reverse bearing hand engraved decorative lines and a single loop for the collar badge, the clasp consists of a round link with a pinch and slide clasp, the round link bears a laurel wreath and the obverse center is hand engraved “49” in block numbers, the collar in its entirety measures 1356mm, weighing 373 grams (excluding the collar badge), numerous repairs to suspension rings, three recently done in silver, numerous link exhibiting tarnishing and areas with a dark patina, enamel on crowns intact, overall very fine condition. Accompanied by the collar badge, a post -1945 reproduction, also composed of bronze gilt and likely of Rothe manufacturing, featuring a double headed eagle holding a sword and orb, sitting on a red, green and white enamelled crown, surmounted by a crown with an internal red enamelled cap and pendilia flowing outwards, contacting each head, on the obverse center of the eagle sits a blue enamel shield inscribed “F.”, the reverse central shield is inscribed “1815”, measures 44.72mm (w) x 76.42mm (h – inclusive of surmounting crown adorned by cross), weighs 41 grams, red enamel damage to obverse crown, blue enamel in shield partially covers the “F”, otherwise very fine condition.

Footnote: A Collar of the Order was awarded to I Class recipients to wear on feast days. The rear box buckle depicts the weight and serial number, meaning each collar was assigned to one specific person.