Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Iron Crown, III Class Knight, Type I
(Kaiserlicher Orden der Eisernen Krone, Ritterkreuz III. Klasse). Instituted 7 April 1815 by Emperor Franz I. Type I. Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse consisting of a double-headed Austrian imperial eagle, clutching a sword and sceptre, overlaid by a central blue enameled shield bearing a silver monogram of Emperor Franz I, the reverse overlaid by a central blue enameled shield bearing a silvered institution date of “1815”, perched on top of a decorative pedestal with stylized jewels, topped by a crown attached to the eagles’ heads by dual ribbons, with dual suspension loops emanating from the crown and connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 24.28 mm (w) x 45.37 mm (h), weighing 11.1 grams, in extremely fine condition.

