Austria, Imperial. An Order of Franz Joseph, Knight’s Cross with Case, c.1917

(Kaiserlich-Österreichischer Franz-Joseph Orden, Ritterkreuz mit Etui). Instituted on 2 December 1849 Emperor Franz Joseph I. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a gilded and enameled Habsburg imperial eagle overlaid by a Ruppert Cross with red enameled arms, with a central white medallion bearing a raised gilt monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph I, with the eagle’s mouths clutching chains bearing a gilded inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“UNITED STRENGTH”), the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised gilt date of “1849”, with a swivel crown suspension and loop affixed to its period original tri-fold ribbon, the loop marked with a star indicating gilded bronze construction, otherwise unmarked, measuring 31.63 mm (w) x 59.85 mm (h), weighing 16.3 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux purple leather exterior, the lid bearing a gilt inscription of “F.J.O.”, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed white velvet medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal hinge with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, the reverse maker marked “ETUIS- U. KASSETTENFRABIK IG. BERGMANN, WIEN VII”, measuring 57 mm (w) x 108 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), minor tarnishing of the bronze and flecking of the enamels evident, in overall near extremely fine condition.