Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, III Class, c.1917

(Orden der Eisernen Krone III. Klasse). Instituted on 7 April 1815 by Emperor Franz I. Type 3. (Issued 1914-1918). An Order of the Iron Crown, III Class, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, with a gilded and enameled crown suspension, consisting of a Habsburg imperial eagle clutching a sword and oab, above a jeweled crown, overlaid by a blue enameled shield bearing an initial “F” and flanked by green enameled laurel branches, the reverse with a blue enameled shield bearing a gilt institution date of “1815”, unmarked, measuring 29.71 mm (w) x 57.32 mm (h), weighing 17.8 grams, on period original ribbon, in near extremely fine condition.