Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Golden Fleece in Gold, Neck Badge, by Friedrich Rothe, c.1880

(Ritterorden vom Goldenen Vlies). Instituted on 10 January 1429. A Gold neck badge, consisting of a heraldic ram’s fleece facing right, suspended from a black-slate coloured-enamel flint, on either side of the flint are red-enamelled flames, attached to a partially-enamelled decorative link in the form a fire-steel, this shows, in relief, a portrayal of Jason fighting the dragon and, above it, the device PRAETIUM LABORUM NON VILE (NO MEAN REWARD FOR LABOURS), on the reverse is a portrayal in relief of Gideon fighting the Midianites and above it the inscription NON ALIUD (I WILL HAVE NO OTHER), flat loop maker marked FR for Friedrich Rothe, the official maker of this insignia, presenting the chamois head hallmark, measuring 23.57 mm (w) x 72.84 mm (h), with original red ribbon, threaded through a ring and held together by a gold and blue-enamelled slide, of superb quality manufacture, and in extremely fine condition. A very desirable Order in top condition and quality.