Order of the Golden Fleece, Neck Decoration (in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1880)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.AUT.0101.102.01.001

Estimated market value:

$25,000 USD

  • Order of the Golden Fleece, Neck Decoration (in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1880)
  • Order of the Golden Fleece, Neck Decoration (in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1880) Reverse
  • Order of the Golden Fleece, Neck Decoration (in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1880)
  • Order of the Golden Fleece, Neck Decoration (in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1880) Reverse

Estimated market value:

$25,000 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Austria (Imperial)
  • Composition
    Gold/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: PRETIUM LABORUM NON VILE Rev: NON ALIVD
  • Size
    68x120mm
  • Version Remarks
    This version is composed of 18Kt gold and weighs approximately 96.8 grams. This is the so-called "larger version", often worn on civilian clothes, while the "smaller version" was as a rule worn on military uniforms, or during military operations. The main Austrian manufacturer during the 19th and 20th century was Rothe, although other makers produced this order as well. This example was sold by eMedals for $26,800 in 2018.

Physical Description and Item Details


Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Golden Fleece in Gold, Neck Badge, by Friedrich Rothe, c.1880

(Ritterorden vom Goldenen Vlies). Instituted on 10 January 1429. A Gold neck badge, consisting of a heraldic ram’s fleece facing right, suspended from a black-slate coloured-enamel flint, on either side of the flint are red-enamelled flames, attached to a partially-enamelled decorative link in the form a fire-steel, this shows, in relief, a portrayal of Jason fighting the dragon and, above it, the device PRAETIUM LABORUM NON VILE (NO MEAN REWARD FOR LABOURS), on the reverse is a portrayal in relief of Gideon fighting the Midianites and above it the inscription NON ALIUD (I WILL HAVE NO OTHER), flat loop maker marked FR for Friedrich Rothe, the official maker of this insignia, presenting the chamois head hallmark, measuring 23.57 mm (w) x 72.84 mm (h), with original red ribbon, threaded through a ring and held together by a gold and blue-enamelled slide, of superb quality manufacture, and in extremely fine condition. A very desirable Order in top condition and quality.

History


This Order was founded by the Duke of Austria, Philip III the Good, in commemoration of his marriage to Isabella of Portugal.

The Knights of the Order were responsible for defending the Roman Catholic religion, upholding chivalry, and aiding the Sovereign during war.

The Knights were appointed by the Sovereign Head of the Order. While there was no limit to the number of permitted Knights, membership was restricted to aristocratic Catholic gentlemen.

This Order was considered one of the most prestigious European Orders.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

In Wear

See Licence

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top