Austria, Imperial. An Order of Maria Theresa, Knight, c. 1925

(Militär-Maria-Theresien-Orden). Instituted on June 18, 1757. Of private manufacture, a bronze gilt Order of Maria Theresa, comprising a white enamelled cross with bulbous arms, the obverse presenting a crisp red and white enamelled medallion of the Austrian flag, surrounded by a white ring inscribed FORTITVDINI, the reverse features the cypher of Maria Theresa surrounded by a green enamel ring, the cross measures 32.96mm (w) x 35.50mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 15.4 grams (including ribbon), worn on an original ribbon, enamel chips evident in the obverse white enamel ring, light contact marks throughout and a dark oxidation line between the gilt and enamels on arms, a rare decoration in better than very fine condition.

Accompanied by a COA signed by Hermann Dikowitsch.