Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Grand Cross with Swords & War Decoration (Rothe Copy)

(Kaiserlich-österreichischer Franz-Joseph-Orden). Instituted on 2 December 1849 by Franz Joseph I. Post-1945 Rothe Copy. A Grand Cross set composing by a hollow sash badge in bronze gilt, featuring an enameled black double headed crowned eagle, along with a chain inscribed “Viribus Unitis” (Latin - United Strength) in gilt, encompassing with an enameled red four-armed cross, surmounted by a partially enameled Austrian crown and two crossed gilt swords, obverse centre with an enameled white medallion inscribed “FJ” in gilt lettering, the reverse dated 1849, measuring 38.23 mm (w) x 79.64 mm (h - inclusive of crown), suspended by loop suspension on a full-length sash, very fine, Accompanied by the star of the order in silver, consisting of an eight multi-rayed arms, encircled by a gilt laurel wreath, the obverse with a crowned attached badge, consisting of a double headed crowned eagle in black enamel, surmounted by two gilt crossed swords, with a central white enameled medallion inscribed “FJ” in gilt lettering, along with chains and “Viribus Unitis” (Latin - United Strength); the reverse with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge assembly, marked C.F. ROTHE WIEN, measuring 87.87 mm (w) x 88.2 mm (h), toned silver, light contact, very fine.