Austria, Imperial. An Order of Leopold, Knights Cross in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1870

(Österreichisch-kaiserlicher Leopold-Orden). Instituted 1808. Type III. (1861-1918). Civil Division. In 18Kt. Gold, with beautiful red and white enamelled cross, the obverse medallion presenting the inscription FIA surrounded by a white ring inscribed INTEGRITATI ET MERITO, the reverse medallion features a white field inscribed OPES REGUM CORA SUBDITO RUM, surrounded by a gold wreath, the cross is suspended from a large crown with an interior red enamelled cap and waving pendilia on each side, measures 30.75mm (w) x 55.40mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned crown suspension), weighs 15.3 grams, marked FR on ring and penilia denoting Rothe manufacture, and an Austrian Gold mark denoting minor gold items (750/1000) (18Kt.) between 1866-1872, enamels intact, worn on an original triangular ribbon showing discolouration and wear, slightly worn cross, in extremely fine condition and very attractive early example.