Austria, Republic. A Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Bishops, by W. Reitterer, c.1950

(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republic Österreich). 1952 - Present. A Set for Bishops, consisting of a neck badge, in the shape of a Maltese cross constructed of bronze gilt with white and red enamels, reverse mirrors the obverse, suspended from an Austrian coat of arms, surrounded by the coat of arms of all nine states in enamels, reverse of the suspension plain, measuring 50.11 mm (w) x 71.22 mm (h), worn on a thick ribbon worn across the shoulders, enamels intact, a rare decoration in extremely fine condition. 

The Star of the Order is with eight points, constructed of silver gilt, the obverse decorated by a SILVER GILT Austrian coat of arms, surrounded by the coat of arms of all nine states in enamels, the reverse plain with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly, cartouche in the center marked “WOLFGANG REITTERER ORDEN EHRENZEICHEN SCHUBERTG. 24 1090 WIEN” on the reverse, pin marked W.R, 900 for silver fineness, and marked with the Hoopoe head denoting post 1922 manufacture in .900 silver in Vienna, measuring 96.47 mm (w) x 95.98 mm (h), weighing 105.16 grams, gilt wear evident across the star, pin functional, in near mint condition.  

Accompanied by the boutonniere of the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash. 

Confined in the original case of issue, a red texture exterior, stamped with the Republic’s insignia, the internal silk lid marked WOLFGANG REITTERER ORDEN. EHRENZEICHEN 1090 WIEN SCHUBERTG. 24, a velvet medalbed with ribbon compartment at the top, measures 137 mm (w) x 318 mm (l) x 55 mm (d), minor wear, in extremely fine condition.