Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Knight’s Cross, by Vincenz Mayers Söhne

(Kaiserlich-Österreichischer Franz-Joseph-Orden Ritterkreuz). Instituted 2 December 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. (1849-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloued enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central white enameled disc overlaid by a raised Gold monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph I, with a double-headed and black-enameled Austrian imperial eagle joining the quadrants, its beaks clutching a chain bearing a raised inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”), the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised Gold institution date of “1849”, the twelve o’clock arm with a Gold crown suspension and integral loop with a ring connecting to a period original tri-fold ribbon, the suspension loop maker marked “V. MAYERS SÖHNE” for the Vienna-based firm of Vincenz Mayer, with a Gemsenkopf hallmark indicating 18k Gold purity, measuring 31.00 mm (w) x 56.45 mm (h), weighing 16.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), with minor flecking of the enamels evident, in overall extremely fine condition.