Military Order of Maria Theresa, Commander

SKU: 01.AUT.0102.103.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Commander (in gold) Obverse
  • Commander (in gold) Obverse
  • Commander (in gold) Obverse
  • Commander (in gold) Reverse
  • Commander (in gold) Reverse
  • Commander (in gold) Detail
  • Commander (in gold) Detail
  • Commander (in gold) Detail

Attributes

  • country
    Austria (Imperial)
  • date of institution
    June 18, 1757
  • makers
    Rothe & Neffe, Vienna

History


The Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa was the highestest war decoration awarded by the Habsburg monarchy, and was considered one of the most respected military orders of merit. It was conceptualized around 1749-1750, following the conclusion of the Peace Treaty of Aachen in 1748. The Order was officially founded during the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), on June 18, 1757.

Count Leopold Joseph Daun reorganized the army in the late 1740s, which included the creation of a ‘military order of honour.’ This Order contained three classes and a pension that the recipient would receive.

The first designs for the order included a white maltese cross with the central medallion inscribed with the monarchs’ initials on one side, and the other side to have the words “Fortitude”, “Virtuti Militari”, or “Praemium Fortitudinis”. It was officially named “Military Maria Theresa Order” in early 1757, which was intended to express the gratitude and affection the Empress had for the soldiers. The first knights were inducted into the order March 7 and April 23, 1758 by Emperor Franz I, the first Grand Master of the Order. The Order official ceased to exist in 1986, when the last recipient died.

The Commander was conferred upon lower-ranking Generals and General Staff members for winning a campaign or battle.

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Versions

  • Price

    $35,000 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FORTITVDINI Rev: MTF

  • Size

    42x47mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version is made of 18Kt gold. This example is available on eMedals for $35,800 in May 2020.

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  • Price

    $10,000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FORTITVDINI Rev: MTF

  • Size

    44x48mm

  • Maker

    Rothe & Neffe

  • Version Remarks

    Early 1920's manufacture. Official issue cross was always in Gold and enamels. Private purchase pieces, for everyday wear, were availab...

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  • Price

    $3,500 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FORTITVDINI Rev: MTF

  • Size

    44mm x 47.84mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This example was sold by eMedal for $3,500 in April 2020.

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