Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880

(Militär Maria Theresien Orden). Instituted on June 18, 1757 by Empress Maria Theresia. (Issued 1757 - 1918). An officially issued Grand Cross, constructed of 18Kt. GOLD and enamels, in the form of a Genfer Kreuz (Geneva Cross) with waved arm finials, the obverse with a round central medallion depicting the Austrian national colors (red-white-red) in enamels, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels, inscribed “FORTITUDINI” (Fortitude) in GOLD capital lettering, the reverse with a round white enameled medallion inscribed “MTF” for “MariaTheresia Franciscus” in GOLD, surrounded by a green ring of enamels, the arms of the cross enameled in white on the obverse and reverse, suspended from a dual-ring suspension from its full length and period original sash ribbon, measuring 51.74 mm (w) x 51.15 mm (h), weighing 29.9 grams; with light contact marks throughout, and with two light scratches in the white enamels of the arms on the reverse; unmarked, of very fine quality manufacture, in extremely fine condition and rare.

Footnote: This piece is referenced starting on page 210 in “Austrian Orders and Decorations” by M. Christian Ortner and Dr. Georg Ludwigstorff.

Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity produced by eMedals INC. and signed by Dr.Georg Ludwigstorff - Author of Austrian Orders and Decorations. Part 1: The Imperial-Royal Orders up to 1918. 2 Volumes