Grand Cross Breast Star, Military Division (with Swords) of Prince Size, with chiseled and pierced rays of “Austrian” type, 58x58 mm., GOLD and Silver, black enameled centre medallion bearing Belgium’s golden lion rampant, within red enameled outer circlet, bearing the Order’s motto “L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE” in golden, chiseled lettering and a stylized bow below, chiseled, golden medallion’s borders, golden crossed swords, with large, embossed hilts, smooth, polished reverse, with vertical pin.
An extraordinary, rare star from the early 19th Century, mint condition. I RR!
Provenance: the Imperial House of Habsburg, the estate of Archduke Joseph Anton Johann Baptist
of Habsburg Lorraine (Florence, 1776 – Buda, Hungary, 1847), seventh son of Emperor Leopold II, by decree of his brother, the Emperor Franz II, he became palatine of Hungary at the young age of 19, soon starting an active promotion of culture and politics in the interest of Hungary and its peculiar role within the Danubian monarchy, keeping this role until his death, happened shortly before the revolution set Europe in flames. Along his whole life, he was appreciated and respected throughout the European continent for his clear vision of progress and balance between the monarchies. He originated the Hungarian branch of the Habsburg-Lorraine family.