Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Knight in Gold, by Gebr. Resch, c.1870

(Kaiserlich-Österreischischer Franz-Joseph-Orden). Instituted in 1849. Type I (1849-1914). Multi-piece construction, in Gold, featuring a red enamelled cross with a black enamelled eagle in each quadrant, a chain in the birds mouth that features the inscription VIRIBUS UNITIS, the central medallion features the initials FJ on a white enamelled field, the reverse medallion presents the year 1849, the cross is surmounted by a crown, the ring is marked with the makers mark denoting GEBR. RESCH, and gold hallmark denoting Vienna manufacture between 1872-1922 for minor gold items, measures 30.8mm (w) x 55.9mm (h), weighs 14.2 grams, enamels intact, reverse medallion slightly loose, in extremely fine condition.