Austria, Second Republic. A Decoration for Science and Art by Anton Reitterer

(Ehrenzeichen für Wissenschaft und Kunst). Instituted 27 July 1955. (1955-present issue). A Decoration for Science and Art set, consisting of a neck badge, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original neck ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with red enameled arms, in turn overlaid by a narrow Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, with a central gilt medallion bearing a raised inscription of “LITTERIS ET ARTIBUS” (“LETTERS AND ARTS”), inside of a laurel wreath, the reverse with a central raised medallion bearing a maker’s mark of “A. REITTERER, JUWELIER, SCHUBERTG. 24, WIEN”, measuring 58.09 mm (w) x 59.33 mm (h), weighing 31.1 grams, accompanied by its breast badge, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with red enameled arms, in turn overlaid by a narrow Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, with a central gilt medallion bearing a raised inscription of “LITTERIS ET ARTIBUS” (“LETTERS AND ARTS”), within a laurel wreath, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 57.65 mm (w) x 57.43 mm (h), weighing 30.6 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident to both decorations, in overall extremely fine condition.