Austria, Republic. A Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, I Class Grand Commander, by W. Reitterer

(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republic Österreich). 1952 - Present. Also called the Gold Grand Decoration of Honour. A Gold Grade Grand Commander Set consisting of a star and a cross; The Cross in the shape of a Maltese cross constructed of silvered bronze with white and red enamels, suspended from an Austrian coat of arms, surrounded by the coat of arms of all nine states in enamels, reverse plain, measuring 49.02 mm (w) x 68.79 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), suspended from its period original neck ribbon, enamels intact, in very fine condition. 

The Star of the Order is with eight points, constructed of silver gilt, the obverse decorated by a SILVER GILT Austrian coat of arms, surrounded by the coat of arms of all nine states in enamels, the reverse plain with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly, cartouche in the center marked “WOLFGANG REITTERER ORDEN EHRENZEICHEN SCHUBERTG. 24 1090 WIEN” on the reverse, pin marked W.R, 900 for silver fineness, measuring 88.97 mm (w) x 88.58 mm (h), weighing 86.00 grams, gilt wear evident across the star, pin functional, in very fine condition.  

Accompanied by the boutonniere, denoting II Class Grand Commander rank. 

Contained in the original case of issue, a hard red exterior stamped with the Austria Republic eagle, silk lid interior marked WOLFGANG REITTERER ORDEN EHRENZEICHEN SCHUBERTG. 24 1090 WIEN, creme coloured velvet medal bed, measures 120 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 30 mm (d), functional clasp, light wear, in extremely fine condition.