Austria, Imperial. An Imperial Order of Leopold, Grand Cross with War Decoration (Rothe Copy)

(Österreichisch–kaiserliche Leopold–Orden, Großkreuz mit Kriegsdekoration). Instituted on 8 January 1808 by Emperor Franz I. (1808-1918 issue). An Imperial Order of Leopold, Grand Cross with War Decoration, including a badge, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red and white enameled arms, the obverse with a red enamelled centerpiece overlaid by a raised gilt monogram of Emperor Franz I, within a ring of white enamels bearing a gilt inscription of “INTEGRITATI ET MERITO” (“INTEGRITY AND MERIT”), within a pebbled and silvered border, the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “OPES REGUM CODA SUBDITO. RUM” (“THE HEARTS OF HIS SUBJECTS ARE A KING’S RICHES”), within a gilt oak leaf wreath, with silvered swords piercing the centerpiece, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a hollow gilt crown suspension, flanked by green enameled laurel branches, in turn with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring with a period original red and white sash ribbon with a rosette, unmarked, the cross measuring 48.91 mm (w) x 53.83 mm (h), the crown suspension measuring 38.80 mm (w) x 48.08 mm (h), with a total weight of 52.0 grams; accompanied by a breast star, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed pebbled star, the obverse overlaid by a Cross Pattée with red and white enameled arms, with a red enamelled centerpiece bearing a gilt monogram of Emperor Franz I, within a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “INTEGRITATI ET MERITO” (“INTEGRITY AND MERIT”), in turn within a pebbled gilt ring, with crossed swords piercing the centerpiece, the arms of the star fully circumscribed from the reverse by a gilt laurel leaf wreath, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, with four visible rivets holding the laurel wreath in place, the pinback maker marked “C.F. ROTHE, WIEN”, measuring 91.03 mm (w) x 90.43 mm (h), weighing 104.2 grams, some chipping is evident to the white enameled centerpiece and the monogram has loosened from its fitting, in overall better than very fine condition.