Austria, Imperial. An Order of Leopold, Grand Cross with Swords, in Gold, by Rothe, c.1960

(Österreichisch-kaiserlicher Leopold-Orden). Instituted 1808. Military Division. A beautiful 18K Gold (tested) Grand Cross, featuring a 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 gilt wreath, crossed swords pierce the central medallions, the badge is suspended from a large crown with an interior red enamelled cap and a green enamelled wreath below the band, with waving pendilia on each side, measures 48.8mm (w) x92.1mm (h – inclusive of cross atop crown), weighs 68.5 grams accompanied by a full length sash with rosette, enamels intact, in better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A very small number of solid gold items were produced by Rothe c.1950-1960 for prominent collectors. These seldomly appear on the market and are considered very scarce.