Order of the Golden Fleece, Neck Decoration (in Gold, by Rothe, c. 1925)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.AUT.0101.102.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Austria, Imperial. An Order of the Golden Fleece in Gold, Neck Badge, by C. F. Rothe, c.1925
(Ritterorden vom Goldenen Vlies). Instituted by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in 1429 as an expression of the wealth of the Burgundy Duke. Austrian Version. 1925-1935 Issue. Of superb quality manufacture and quality enamels, an exquisite Order of the Golden Fleece in Gold, consisting of an Austria’s typical facing-front heraldic figure of the Golden Fleece with scratched details for the fur texture, attached on the top to a set of highly detailed Burgundy flames applique in splendid red enamels, with a central bulge medallion in black enamels and delineate enameled white sparks, surmounted by an adorned partially-enamelled decorative link in the form of a fire-steel striker, showing in relief a portrayal of Jason fighting the dragon beneath of the inscription PRETIUM 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), accompanied by a nicely ornamented partially-enamelled knot on the ribbon also in Gold, presenting maker’s mark CFR of C. F. Rothe, one of the most recognized European makers of insignia, along with German hallmark denoting 18 carats Gold, measuring 53.27 mm (w) x 92.70 mm (h), weighing 64.2gr (inclusive of ribbon and ornamented knot), minor faded red enamels, suspended by elegant loop suspension on original neck ribbon, a very attractive and extremely rare item in near mint condition.
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.
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