Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880 Auction Archive enamel repaired and with period

enamel repaired and with period replacement suspension

overlaid by a diving Luftwaffe eagle clutching two lightning bolts

Footnote: At the turn of the twentieth century

a very scarce maker of this badge

Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880 Auction Archive enamel repaired and with period(Militr 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