Austria, Imperial. A Matricular Eagle of the Tirolean Nobility c.1965

(Abzeichen der Tiroler Adelsmatrikel). Instituted 1806. Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a double-sided and red enameled Tirol-style national eagle with each wing highlighted by white enameled sprigs, the obverse bearing a central white enameled shield overlaid by a gilt monogram of “F. I” for for Emperor Franz Joseph, the reverse bearing an analogous central white enameled shield bearing a gilt inscription of “M. T” for Matricula Tyrolensis, with the eagle’s head circumscribed by a green enameled laurel wreath in the style of a halo, connecting to a hanger consisting of a hollow gilt knight’s helmet with hand-painted details on the obverse, in turn retaining a ribbed suspension ring connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked however likley produced by Rothe c.1960, the badge measuring 35.66 mm (w) x 46.54 mm (h), the hanger measuring 22.36 mm (w) x 28.84 mm (h), weighing 16.0 grams overall, the hanger has been applied backwards with the reverse of the badge consequently presenting as the obverse, and with some flecking of the enamels evident to both sides, in overall near extremely fine condition.