Grand Cross Set of a Russian Dignitary. Sash Badge, 87 x 49 mm., GOLD, and red enamels with white borders, obverse centre medallion with “FIA” (Franciscus Imperator Austriae) monogram in gold on a red ground, white enameled outer circlet with motto “INTEGRITATI ET MERITO” (to the Integrity and to the Merit) in gold lettering, reverse medallion with golden inscription “OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM” (The Labours of Kings are the Joys of the Subjects) on white enameled ground, within a golden, oak wreath, circular upper loop (this, struck with the early, rectangular mark “F.R” of Rothe, Vienna and the gold, “Gemsenkopf” mark, suspension crown with highly polished details and red enameled inner cap with large, closed ribbon ring, this, also struck with the same marks present on the cross’s loop, suspended to its original, full length sash with ties. Highly convex Breast Star, 86,5 mm., Silver, with brilliant-cut, pierced rays, the centre in gold and enamels, as the obverse of the Order’s cross, smooth reverse, with screwback suspension of the Russian type, a centre screw with an intermediate, convex, highly polished silver disc, held by a smaller, also convex, circular nut with two applied small spheres, undoubtedly of Austrian manufacture and most possibly, Rothe, Vienna.
A highly interesting, extremely rare set, dating approx. to 1870-80, in almost pristine condition (the star’s rays with fine, dark patina), the quality and workmanship of the star’s suspension, not being visible any sign of a removed, formerly present pin and its catch, and the homogeneous presence of an old, natural patina, allows us to think that the piece was specially made in Vienna, on behalf of an Imperial Russian dignitary. I RR!