(Leopold Orden). Instituted in 1808. Hardcovered, with a red pebbled exterior on the outside, the front cover inscribed in Gothic text "Statuten für den erhabenen Oesterreichisch-Kaiserlichen Leopold-Orden." in gold-coloured ink, the text within a dual rule rectangular frame, with angled supports bearing ornate floral designs in each of the the four corners, the back cover incorporating the same design but without the text, the inside covers and their respective facing pages bearing a shimmering white cloud-like pattern interlaced with multiple vertical rules. It contains twenty-eight pages of text printed in black ink, page 1 with the title of the publication, along with a line engraving illustrating the two-headed eagle Austrian coat-of-arms and inscribed "WIEN, 1808." (Vienna, 1808) below the title. There are ten pages with plates of line engravings inserted at various intervals, each incorporating a vellum insert, including: the lead page flanking page 1 illustrating various levels of the Order; a standing figure wearing the Collar of the Order placed between pages 6 and 7; a second standing figure wearing the Commander of the Order placed between pages 8 and 9; a third standing figure wearing the Knight's Cross of the Order placed between pages 10 and 11; illustrations of the Medal of the Order along with a sword handle and a crowned staff bearing oak leaves placed between pages 12 and 13; with the five plates at the back of the book illustrating the badges, breast stars, ribbons, and miniature insignia for the ribbons for the various levels of the Order, with notations acknowledging that the engravings were done at the Imperial Royal Military Institute. The three exposed edges of the pages are gilded with a thin layer of gold leaf. The publication measures 325 mm (w) x 450 mm (h) x 17 mm (d), the front and back covers exhibiting an indentation along the bottom edge, the front cover with light soiling, the back cover with evidence of water damage, with a slight weakening in the spine which has forced a separation between the lead page and the flanking page 1. However, the text and line engravings are unaffected and remain crisp and clean. Fine.
Footnote: The Order of Leopold was instituted on July 14, 1808 by Kaiser Franz I and awarded for military and civil merit, in four grades: Grand Cross, First Class, Commander and Knight. It was discontinued in 1919.