Military Order of Maria Theresa, Knight (in Gold, c. 1865)
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SKU: 01.AUT.0102.104.01.000
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Austria, Imperial. A Military Order of Maria Theresa, Knight’s Cross in Gold by Rothe, from the Estate of the Duke of Hanover
(Militär-Maria-Theresien-Orden Ritterkreuz). Instituted 18 June 1757 by Empress Maria Theresa. (ca. 1866 issue). An extremely well-presented example of the Military Order of Maria Theresa, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central red and white medallion emblematic of the Austrian Empire’s national colours, within a white enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FORTITUDINI” (“FOR COURAGE”), the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt monogram of Empress Maria Theresa, within a green enameled ring, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring connection to a period original tri-fold ribbon, the suspension ring stamped with a maker’s mark of “F.R.” for Friedrich Rothe of Vienna, measuring 31.72 mm (w) x 34.41 mm (h), weighing 16.1 grams (inclusive of ribbon), with minor flecking of enamels evident, in overall extremely fine condition.
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, 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 Knight was conferred upon Officers for extraordinary acts of valour and bravery. From 1757 to 1931, a total of 1,039 Knight’s Crosses were awarded.
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