Military Order of Maria Theresa, Grand Cross Breast Star

SKU: 01.AUT.0102.102.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Grand Cross Breast Star (in silver gilt) Obverse
  • Grand Cross Breast Star (in silver gilt) Obverse
  • Grand Cross Breast Star (in silver gilt) Reverse
  • Grand Cross Breast Star (in silver gilt) Reverse
  • Grand Cross Breast Star (in silver gilt) Reverse

Attributes

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

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 Grand Cross and Grand Cross Breast Star were to be conferred upon high ranking Generals who had demonstrated exceptional bravery and defeated an enemy in a campaign or battle. Between 1757 and 1879, a total of 50 Grand Crosses awarded to Austrians and foreigners. During the First World War, a total of 11 were awarded. In total, from 1757 to 1931, 61 Grand Crosses were awarded.

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Versions

  • Price

    $3,000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver Wire/Silver Paillettes/Silver gilt Wire/Silver gilt Paillettes/Silk Thread/Velvet/ Sequins

  • Inscription

  • Size

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Value depends on the period and quality of manufacture, size, and provenance.

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  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Diamonds/Silver/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FORTITVDINI

  • Size

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Decorations with diamonds were awarded by the emperor and were privately made. They are considered to be above I Class decorations.

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  • Price

    $45000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FORTITVDINI

  • Size

    60x61mm

  • Maker

    Rothe & Neffe

  • Version Remarks

    Circa 1900 issue

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  • Price

    $40000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FORTITVDINI

  • Size

    60x61mm

  • Maker

    Vincent Mayer's Söhne

  • Version Remarks

    This silver gilt version was awarded during World War I. This example is available on eMedals for $38,500 in May 2020.

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