Austria, Empire. An Order of Franz Joseph, Miniature Officer with War Decoration

(Franz Joseph Orden). Instituted in 1849. Insignia in bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 12.2 mm (w) x 23.2 mm (h), intact enamels, mounted to a period triangular war decoration ribbon with hook and eye, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Franz Joseph was instituted in 1849 and awarded for military and civil merit, especially in industry, commerce and diplomacy, in five grades: Grand Cross, Commander with Star, Commander, Officer and Knight. The ribbon was plain red except for awards for war services, when the war decoration ribbon was used.