The Imperial Order of Franz Joseph, 1849

Knight's Cross, instituted in 1849. Breast Badge, 56.5x31.2 mm, GOLD, enameled, maker's mark "Mayer`s Sohne, Vienna" and gold marks, hinged reverse centre medallion, "War ribbon" with the "Kleindekoration" of the Grand Cross with war decoration of the Grand Cross and tiny, blackened swords representing the "Swords of a Lower Grade" (Schwerter eines niederen Grades) in silver, gilt silver and enamels, this a very early, production of Rothe. A very rare beautiful piece, in extremely fine condition. I RR!