Austria, Second Republic. A High Quality Order of the Golden Fleece, Museum Exhibition Example, by C.F. Rothe & Neffe, c. 1970

(Ritterorden vom Goldenen Vlies). Instituted January 10th 1429. (c. 1970 issue). A superb high quality museum exhibition example of this award, constructed of gilded bronze, consisting of an Austria’s typical facing-front heraldic figure of the Golden Fleece with details for the fur texture, attached on the top to a set of highly detailed Burgundy flames applique in splendid red enamels, with a central bulge medallion in black enamels and delineate enameled white sparks, surmounted by an adorned partially-enamelled decorative link in the form of a fire-steel striker, showing in relief a portrayal of Jason fighting the dragon beneath of the inscription PRETIUM LABORUM NON VILE (NO MEAN REWARD FOR LABOURS), on the reverse is a portrayal in relief of Gideon fighting the Midianites and above it the inscription NON ALIUD (I WILL HAVE NO OTHER), accompanied by a nicely ornamented partially-enamelled knot on the ribbon, measuring approximately 68.8 mm (w) x 118 mm (l) including its suspensions, a fine quality example in near mint condition.