Austria, Imperial. A Military Order of Maria Theresa, Knight, c.1918

(Militär Maria Theresien Orden). Instituted June 18, 1757. A typical very late War example Order of Maria Theresa in bronze gilt, textbook example of maker Vinc Mayer, presenting a white enamelled Geneva Cross with waved arm finials in bronze gilt, the obverse with central medallion featuring enamelled background with the Austrian national colours (red-white-red), surrounded by a white enamelled outsider ring inscribed FORTITUDINI (Fortitude), the reverse with an enamelled medallion inscribed MTF for Maria Theresa Franciscus, surrounded by a green enamelled laurel wreath, measuring32.2mm (w) x 34.8mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 15.9 grams, marked (punched) on ring with elongated star (typical of Vinc Mayer manufacture) denoting bronze composition, enamels intact, in very fine condition and scarce.