Austria, Empire. An Order of Leopold, Commander, by Rothe, c. 1980 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac framed by a full wreath

framed by a full wreath of laurel leaves and attached to an ornate bracket bearing oak leaves and acorns

the reverse illustrating a thistle in gold-coloured rolled bullion wire interlaced with sequins

It was unrestricted by birth or education and could therefore be awarded to anyone (as opposed to the Order of the Polar Star

511mm (w) x 109

measuring 50 mm (w) x 103 mm (h)

Austria, Empire. An Order of Leopold, Commander, by Rothe, c. 1980 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac framed by a full wreathInstituted in 1808. In bronze gilt and enamels, red enameled cross with white enamel edging, obverse centerpiece bearing the monogram FIA in gold on a red enameled background, surrounded by a white enameled ring with the motto INTEGRITATI ET MERITO, the reverse centerpiece motto reads OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM on a white enameled background, surrounded by a gold ring, inclusive of laurel and crown suspension 79. 3 mm (h) x 40 mm (w), on original