(Franz Joseph Orden). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Type II. (1914-1918 Issue). Of high quality manufacture, a WWI version of an Order’s Grand Cross breast star, consisting of a fine multi-rayed eight-armed star in silver, with obverse featuring an enameled red four armed cross in bronze gilt, with typical enameled black imperial double-headed eagle, the two heads bear in their beaks a loop of gilded chain with the emperor’s motto VIRIBUS UNITIS (WITH UNITED FORCES) applied at the lower edge, the centre displays an enameled white medallion displaying the letters FJ for Franz Joseph in gilt, surmounted by a partially enameled Austrian imperial crown, the reverse centre with a principle pin assembly marked by period five-pointed hallmark, denoting bronze made at the end of the great war, the centre is marked with cartouche of Vinc. Mayer’s Söhne, Wien, one of the most known Viennese manufacturers of insignia, together with a stamped letter G, measuring 90.35 mm (w) x 90.15 mm (h), presenting superior enamelling and manufacture, with tarnished silver and minor chipping enamel, extremely fine condition.
Footnote: On December 2, 1849, Franz Joseph founded the fifth dynastic order, one year after his accession to the throne. It was created as an order of merit, to be awarded to any citizen of the Austrian Empire and it was therefore more achievable for the middle-class individuals who would not be awarded the order of St. Stephen, Leopold or the Iron Crown.