Austria, Empire. An Order Of Leopold In Gold, Knight, C.1815

(Kaiserlicher Leopold-Orden). Instituted in 1808. A fine early award in Gold with red and white enamels, script on the obverse centrepiece ring and on the reverse centrepiece, weighing 10.2 grams, measuring 27.8 mm (w) x 32.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, reverse centrepiece rotated clockwise approximately 20 degrees, chipping evident in the white enamels on the obverse centrepiece ring, otherwise the enamels are intact, old Gold test apparent on the edge of the arm at 6 o'clock, original ribbon, missing a crown, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold was founded by Franz I of Austria on January 8, 1808. The order's statutes stipulated only three grades: Grand Cross, Commander and Knight. During the war, in common with the other Austro-Hungarian decorations, crossed swords were instituted to reward bravery in the face of the enemy. An Imperial Decree of February 1, 1901 ordered that in future, the senior grade would be split into two separate awards. From then onwards, there were four grades: Grand Cross, First Class, Commander and Knight.