Austria, Empire. An Order of Franz Joseph, Commander’s Star, by Godet, c.1900

(Franz Joseph Orden, Stern zum Komturkreuz). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Type 1. (Issued 1869-1914). A silver star consisting of eight multi-rayed arms, the obverse features a red-enamelled cross with the imperial double-headed eagle, partially enameled in black, shown in the angles of the cross, the two heads of the eagle bear in their beaks a loop of chain with the emperor’s motto “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”) applied at the lower edge, the white-enamelled central medallion shows the letters “FJ” for Franz Joseph, surmounted by the Austrian imperial crown, reverse presents a vertical pinback, pin stamped “SILBER,” no maker mark but shows qualities of Godet manufacture, measuring 72.18 mm (w) x 72.22 mm (h), weighing 42.3 grams, and in better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The total number of recipients as of the end of 1917 for the Commanders with Star was 1369, 66 of which included war decorations. See, M. Christian Ortner and Georg Ludwigstorff, Austrian Orders and Decorations, Part 1/Volume 2: The Imperial-Royal Orders up to 1918 (Verlag Militaria, 2017), 291.