Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Knights of Malta, Commander Cross, by Godet

(Souveräner Ritter und Hospitalorden vom heiligen Johannes von Jerusalem von Rhodos und von Malta, Profestiertes Großkreuz). A Maltese cross constructed of silver gilt, the obverse and reverse with integrated white enamelled arms, with very detailed crowned double-headed eagles between the arms of the cross, suspended from arabesques and a carefully etched hollow crown and loop for suspension, a lovely trophy of arms suspension in silver gilt with a red and white enamel shield in front, reverse mirrors the obverse, measures 47.751.5mm (w) x 128.3mm (h – inclusive of crown and trophy of arms suspension), weighs 61.6 grams (inclusive of ribbon), worn on a full length black ribbon one end with a button and the other a buttonhole, accompanied by an additional tie with button and buttonhole for closure, enamel chip on reverse of cross, remains in near extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original case of issue, red leatherette exterior with a white Maltese cross on the lid, the interior features a white silk lid marked J. Godet a. Sohn, the base is a black velvet recessed medal bed with a storage section for the ribbon near the hinge, measures 97mm (w) x 164mm (h) x 32mm (d), areas of wear and damage to the exterior, silk covering hinge is frayed, remains in very fine condition.