Military Order of Maria Theresa, Grand Cross (in Diamonds)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.AUT.0102.101.01.000

Estimated market value:

$100,000+ USD

  • Military Order of Maria Theresa, Grand Cross (in Diamonds)
  • Military Order of Maria Theresa, Grand Cross (in Diamonds)

Estimated market value:

$100,000+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Austria (Imperial)
  • Makers
    As a rule manufacture of such award would be entrusted to the Court jeweller(s), not necessarily to the official maker of the insignia.
  • Composition
    Gold/Diamonds/Emeralds/Rubies
  • Inscription
    Obv: FORTITVDINI Rev: MTF
  • Version Remarks
    An extremely rare award, as a rule purchased by the recipient. Such an award was often worn by the Austrian Emperor, who may at his/her discretion award it to one of his subjects for an extraordinary achievement. Value depends on the period and quality of manufacture, size, metal/gemstones composition, and provenance.

History


The Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa was the highest 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 at the request of Empress Maria Theresa, 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 Emperor Franz I who decided that only one word should be included, "Fortitude." 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.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top