Austria, Empire. An Order of Leopold, Knight’s Cross with Small Commander Decoration, by Rotzet & Fischmeister, c.1918

(Leopold Orden Ritterkreuz mit Kommandeur Kriegsdekoration). Instituted in 1808. Type III - Issued 1914-1918. A cross pattee constructed of bronze gilt with red and white enamelled arms, the obverse with a central red enamelled medallion, inscribed "FAA" (Franciscus Imperator Austriae), surrounded by a ring of white enamels, inscribed in Latin "INTEGRITATI ET MERITO" (Integrity and Merit), reverse with a central white enamelled medallion, inscribed in Latin "OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM" (The deeds of the Kings win the hearts of their subjects), surrounded by a gilt wreath of oak leaves, suspended from a hollow and partially enamelled royal crown with ribbon banner, along with green enamelled laurel leaves indicative of a war decoration, marked with a six-sided star on the ring for bronze gilt manufacture, maker marked "ROTZET & FISCHMEISTER" on the reverse on the ribbon banner, Commander with War Decoration miniature award affixed to its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, measuring 31.2 mm (w) x 61 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, weighing 13.1 grams, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Austrian Order of Leopold was founded by Franz I of Austria on January 8, 1808. The order's statutes stipulated only three grades: Grand Cross, Commander and Knight. During the war, in common with the other Austro-Hungarian decorations, crossed swords were instituted to reward bravery in the face of the enemy. An Imperial Decree of February 1, 1901 ordered that in future, the senior grade would be split into two separate awards. From then onwards, there were four ranks: Grand Cross, First Class, Commander and Knight. Until July 18, 1884, the award of the order also entitled the recipient, if he was not already of that standing, to be raised to the following appointments and/or ranks of the nobility: Grand Cordon: Privy Councillor; Commander: Baron; and Knight: Ritter.