Grand Cross Breast Star of Prince size with chiseled and pierced rays of “Austrian” type, 55 mm., Silver, centre in GOLD with blue enameled, 8-pointed star, white enameled centre medallion bearing the Pope’s name “PIVS IX”. Within beaded border, golden outer circlet, bearing the blue enameled motto “VIRTVTI ET MERITO”, within thick, diamond-cut, golden outer border, smooth, polished reverse, fitted with vertical pin.
A most attractive, rare star, from the first half of 19th Century, made in the best Austrian quality, excellent 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 origi- nated the Hungarian branch of the Habsburg-Lorraine family.