Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Jospeh, Grand Cross Badge in Gold, by Vinc Mayer, c.1870

An extremely fine quality manufacture and well preserved example of an Imperial Austrian Order of Franz Joseph Grand Cross badge (Franz Joseph Orden Großkreuz), c. 1870; multi-piece construction in solid gold and red, white and black enamels; the obverse consisting of a golden cross with red enameled arms and a center white medallion with “FJ” in golden lettering; between the arms of the cross is a double-headed eagle holding a chain with “Viribus Unitis” (By the Unified) on the chain; the reverse with a central white enameled medallion, dated “1849” in golden lettering; suspended from a swivel crown suspension; on a loop for suspension - marked “VM” for “Vinc Mayer’s Söhne, Wien”, with a “Goathead 3A” mark for 18k gold; measuring 37.07 mm (w) x 69.79 mm (h); weighing 23.2 grams. Accompanied by a period original wartime sash; measuring 81.5 cm x 9.5 grams; the enamels untouched; near mint condition.