Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880 certificate_of_authenticity gilt wear on the reverse

gilt wear on the reverse of the wreathed coat-of-arms suspension

early full oak leaf wreath with small helmet

the sword measuring 905 mm in length

at the age of 74

blue and black enamelled insignia

Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880 certificate_of_authenticity gilt wear on the reverse(Militr Maria Theresien Orden). Instituted on June 18, 1757 by Empress Maria Theresia. (Issued 1757 1918). An officially issued Grand Cross, constructed of 18Kt. GOLD and enamels, in the form of a Genfer Kreuz (Geneva Cross) with waved arm finials, the obverse with a round central medallion depicting the Austrian national colors (red white red) in enamels, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels, inscribed FORTITUDINI (Fortitude) in GOLD capital