Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph in Gold, Miniature, c.1900

(Kaiserlich-Österreichischer Franz-Joseph-Orden). Founded by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1849. Type I (1849-1914). Of excellent quality manufacture, a superb miniature constructed of Gold, displaying an enameled black double-head imperial Eagle, holding a Gold chain with the Latin inscription “Viribus Unitis” (United Strength), superimposed by a pleasant enameled red four-armed cross, with obverse centre in white enamel featuring the initials FJ, the reverse centre also in white enamels dated 1849, surmounted by an unusual and highly detailed imperial crown with delicate enameled red details, measuring 11.58 mm (w) x 24.20 mm (h - inclusive crown suspension), weighting 1.9 grams, with the original ring suspension, light contact, near mint.

Footnote: On December 2, 1849, Emperor Franz Joseph founded the fifth dynastic order, one year after his accession to the throne. It was created as an order of merit, to be awarded to any citizen of the Austrian Empire.