Austria, Empire. The Order of the Mexican Eagle, Grand Cross of Emperor Maximillian, brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and the only Emperor of the Second Mexican Empire

eMedals is proud to present to the global market, from the orders and decorations of Emperor Maximillian, a Grand Cross set of the Order of the Mexican Eagle. Exquisitely crafted featuring emeralds, rubies, and gold detailing, the grand cross sets itself apart in both rarity, quality, as well as historical significance. Housed in Vienna since the Emperor's execution in 1867, the order was established by Maximillian in 1865 and represents his efforts for the people of Mexico as well as the tumultuous nature of his reign.

(Orden del Aguila Mexicana). Instituted on January 1 1865 by Emperor Maximilian I. An extremely rare and beautiful Grand Cross set, unmarked but of known Rothe manufacture, previously belonging to Emperor Maximilian I, the sash badge in solid Gold presenting an eagle with finely detailed outstretched wings clutching a crossed sword and sceptre across its body, standing on a thick green enamelled branch with yellow spots, a green and brown enamelled snake wraps around the body and head, clutched in the eagles mouth, the badge is surmounted by a large detailed crown with white, red and purple enamel details, measures 39.2mm (w) x 70.5mm (h - inclusive of integral ring atop surmounting crown), weighs 63.4 grams, evident wear on enamel in the snake and on the light green enamel branch under talon showing chips and cracks in both obverse and reverse, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by the breast star of the order, in silver with four principle faceted arms with a fleur-de-lys design, with a large cushion cut emerald set at each arm tip, clusters of seven faceted rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a Gold Mexican Imperial Eagle clutching a light green enamelled branch in its talons with a green enamelled snake across its body and held in its beak at the center, surrounded in a ring of 44 round rubies and an exterior ring of 47 emeralds, the reverse features a single pin assembly, measures 92.5mm (w) x 92mm (h), weighs 79.6 grams, hinge and catch functional, light chips and inclusions to rubies and emeralds on medallion, emeralds on tips of principle arms show damage, lovely patina, a rare star in extremely fine condition.

Paired with a full length contemporary sash, missing bow, in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Mexican Eagle (Orden del Águila Mexicana) was created by Emperor Maximiliano I/Maximilian I on January 1, 1865. It was founded as an effort to reach prestige among European monarchies, in order to obtain concessions and diplomatic recognition for the new Mexican Empire. The Order was awarded to citizens and military personnel, in recognition of outstanding merit and extraordinary services to the State and the Emperor.