Austria, Empire. An Order of the Iron Crown, Grand Cross, by Rothe, c. 1965

(Kaiserlicher Orden der Eisernen Krone, Großkreuz). Reinstituted in 1815 by Emperor Franz I. Type III. Military Division. Of post war production, in bronze gilt, consisting of a highly detailed double-headed crowned eagle clutching an orb and a sword on each claw, the chest bearing a central enamelled blue shield with gilded monogram of Franz I, flanked by two nicely enamelled green laurel branches with gilded edges, surmounted by an enamelled red crown with two tapering ribbons, supported by a Lombardy Iron Crown with enamelled green, red and white details, the reverse with a central enamelled blue shield dating re-institution date “1815”, marked on crown ribbons with CFR mark denoting Rothe manufacture, measuring 45.6 mm (w) x 78.4 mm (h), weight 43.2 grams light contract, suspended on a replacement sash with rosette, near mint condition. The Star of the Order, also of post war Rothe production, presents a silver eight point star with faceted rays, the obverse medallion featuring a central Lombardy crown, on a gilded field, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed AVITA ET AUCTA (Inherited and Augmented), a gilded wreath sits behind the arms denoting Military division, the reverse presents a single vertical pin marked C.F. ROTHE WIEN, the tip of each arm is marked CFR, measures 85.3mm (w) x 85.7mm (h) x 82.8 grams, enamels have minor flakes, remains in near mint condition.