Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph in Gold, Grand Cross Star, by V. Mayer’s Söhne

(Franz Joseph Orden, Stern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Type 1. (1869-1914 Issue). A silver star consisting of eight multi-rayed arms, obverse featuring a Gold applique with a red-enamelled Ruppert Cross on top of a black enameled double-headed Habsburg eagle, the two heads of the eagle bearing a length of chain with the Order motto “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”) applied to the lower edge, with a central white enameled medallion bearing Gold initials of “FJ”, topped by a Gold Habsburg imperial crown, the reverse with a barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, with a central maker’s mark of “Vinc. Mayer’s Söhne, Wien”, surrounding an imperial eagle, flanked on the left by a letter “G”, the pinback with dual stamps of “A”, the top arm of the star stamped with a “VM” and a Dianakopf “Diana Head” with a silver purity number of “2”, measuring 79.68 mm (w) x 79.35 mm (h), weighing 63.8 grams, minor flecking of enamels, otherwise in extremely fine condition.