25 Military Order of Maria Theresa
Knight's breast badge from the period of the Napoleonic Wars, French production, ca 1809 - 1819.
Gold and enamel. Without ribbon. In the eyelet French gold hallmark from the period of the 1st Empire (rooster's head, 1809 - 1819).
Exceptional, finely crafted example in best Parisian jeweller's quality. The order's motto painted in gold lettering and somewhat rubbed due to wear.
Only relatively few knight's badges of the Order of Maria Theresia were awarded to French Officer's during the Napoleonic Wars since Austria was fighting France. The few Royalist French soldiers where usually not attached to Austrian forces. Occasions to award an order strictly reserved vor personal bravery and valor consequently were very linited.
A unique historical collector's item and, as far as I know, the only known example of French manufacture from the age of Napoleon known in a private collection.
Extremely rare.