Austria, Empire. A Franz Joseph Order, Commander's Cross, by V. Mayer, c. 1917

(Franz Joseph Orden, Komturkreuz). Instituted on December 2, 1849. (Issued 1849-1918). A fine example of Franz Joseph Order Commander's Cross, presenting as a gilded bronze Latin cross with richly-detailed, red enamelled arms, with a black enamelled double-headed crowned eagle clutching a length of chain, with a central white enamelled medallion inscribed “FJ” in gilded bronze letters, with Order motto of "VIRIBUS UNITIS" ("WITH UNITED FORCES") inscribed in gilded bronze, the reverse of the cross with a central date of "1849" in gilded bronze on a white enameled background, with a swivel crown suspension. Ring maker marked "V. Mayer in Wien", also marked with "star" mark (indicating bronze), measuring 37.5mm (w) x 70.0 mm (h), weighing 24.8 grams, of very fine quality manufacture, with fine old patina, enamels intact without chipping, in overall extremely fine condition.