Austria, II Republic. A Decoration of Honour, Grand Decoration, by Anton Reitterer

(Großes Silbernes Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich). Instituted 2 April 1952. (1952-present issue). Constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with red and white enameled arms, the reverse plane, the six o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a suspension apparatus in the form of a silvered Republic-style Austrian national eagle surrounded by enameled shield of the Austrian states, in turn with a suspension ring connecting to a period original neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 50.02 mm (w) x 50.25, accompanied by a miniature breast cross, of identical construction and composition, unmarked, measuring 18.00 mm (w) x 18.62 mm (h), also accompanied by a presentation case, constructed of a wood frame with a faux red leather exterior, the exterior lid with a gold embossed Republic-style Austrian national eagle clutching a sickle and hammer, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, maker marked “ANTON REITERER, ORDENSJUWELIER, WIEN XI, SCHUBERTG. 24”, with a slotted and depressed black velvet medal bed, the exterior medal bed with a label of “ETUI-ČECH, WIEN, VI.”, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, measuring 82 mm (w) x 146 mm (l), in extremely fine condition.