Order of the Knights of Malta, Professed Grand Cross (in gold)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.AUT.0117.101.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Austria, Empire. An Order of the Knight’s of Malta in Gold, Grand Cross Badge, c.1910
Knight of Honour and Devotion. Austrian Branch (Souveräner Ritter und Hospitalorden vom heiligen Johannes von Jerusalem von Rhodos und von Malta). A hollow Maltese cross in gold; the obverse with integrated white enameled arms, with exceedingly detailed golden fleur-de-lies between the arms of the cross; the reverse with separately applied white enamels on the arms of the cross and exceedingly detailed knurling in the golden frame of the cross; suspended from a large and remarkably detailed hollow and partially enameled solid gold royal crown, with a Trophy of Arms suspension also of hollow construction crafted in solid gold and red and white enamels - note the exceptional detailing on the reverse; with its period original ribbed sash ribbon; maker marked “FR” for “C.F. Rother & Neffe, Vienna”, along with a gold mark for Vienna manufacture between 1872 and 1922, and 14 karat gold construction; measuring 60.29 mm (w) x 101.50 mm (h) with its crown, the Trophy of Arms 36.20 mm (w) x 44.54 mm (h); the cross weighing 45.0 grams, and the Trophy of Arms measuring 14.0 grams; accompanied by its period original and full size period original ribbon; in overall absolutely mint condition.
The Order was originally founded by Godfrey of Bouillon in 1099.
Following Godfrey’s successful campaign to conquer the Holy Land, he assigned a pilgrim hospital in Jerusalem with a constitution and lands. The hospital was run by several of Godfrey’s Knights, who later founded a spiritual Order. The Order was confirmed by Pope Paschal II in 1113.
The Knights were originally divided into three grades, Knights, Priests, and Brother Servants.
Knights were in charge of protecting pilgrims and battling infidels.
Priests managed the Order’s spiritual responsibilities.
Brother servants were responsible for taking care of the sick and wounded in peacetime, while in wartime they functioned as lower ranks in the Order’s military ranks.
The grade of Donatists was added to the Order at a later date. The Donatists were charged with carrying out everyday tasks and duties.
The Order of the Knights of Malta operated in Austria as early as the 12th century.
The Austrian Order was charged with aiding the sick, diseased, disabled, refugees, and elderly of the world.
The Order of the Knights of Malta within Imperial Austria is also known as the Order of the Knights of Malta of Bohemia.
The Order grades were conferred for civil or war related services.
When the grades were awarded to recognize civil merit they had a plain black ribbon.
When the grades were awarded to recognize war merit they had a black ribbon with red and white along the exterior edges.
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