Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, Grand Cross, by C.F. Rothe, c.1917

(Kaiserlicher Orden der Eisernen Krone, Großkreuz). Reinstituted 7 April 1815 by Emperor Franz I. (1914-1918 issue). In bronze gilt consisting of a double-headed, Habsburg-style imperial eagle clutching an orb and swords, bearing a central blue enameled shield with gilt monogram of Franz I, flanked by dual green enameled laurel branches, with a gilt crown adorned with red, green, and white enameled jewels at the bottom, topped by a Habsburg crown with dual tapering ribbons, with loop and suspension ring, the reverse with a central blue enameled shield with gilt institution date of “1815”, the reverse marked with six-pointed star indicating gilded bronze construction (typical of WW1 produced awards), otherwise unmarked but bearing the physical characteristics of manufacture by the firm of C.F. Rothe, Vienna, measuring 45.32 mm (w) x 79.08 mm (h), weighing 38.4 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident, on later period sash, otherwise in extremely fine condition.