Austrian Leopold cross

[avensis2000]

I just purchased my first own golden Leopold cross with war decoration by Rozet & Fischmeister...

Meanwhile not-so-patiently waiting for it to arrive my hand, I'd like to ask how many other members have these and I'd hope to see few pictures from different manufacturers...

Especially I am waiting for one unnamed Austriaguru's pictures and information about the order. So, Elmar - stage is yours - I hope you could enlighten me and others a little bit more about this one

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

I need to congratulate for the beautiful Ritterkreuz mit der Kriegsdekoration. A wartime piece in gold is uncommon already, and when made by Rozet & Fischmeister it's a fine plus.

Don't worry too much for the enamel damage to the enamel: yours is an attractive and very interesting piece.

I've been away for a while and, once renewed my membership, I'll take the needed time to make some pictures and try, with the other AH enthusiasts, to add some further detail.

Best wishes,

E.L.

[avensis2000]

Thanks Elmar,

Normally I'd be a little bit reluctant purchasing crosses with that obvious enamel damage, but I have long waited a chance to get golden Leopold cross with suitable price for me and I had that one in my hand before buying - it was a true beauty even though it's chipped from center piece. Had to get it.

[Don D.]

I can only dream of adding one to the collection.....

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

I would like to add two of my Knight's Crosses of the Leopold Order with Kriegsdekoration; both are in gold and enamels.

First, one with the so-called "grün legiertes Lorbeerkranz"; in other words, the KD made of a greenish-yellow gold alloy, that is the earliest type of War Decoration:

[Elmar Lang]

The second piece, also in gold and enamels is a specially-made cross with Kriegsdekoration (in 1917, a Knight's Cross of the order would have been awarded in gilt only): the reverse medallion bears an interesting dedication, engraved and black-enamelled on the medallion's outer circlet:

[Elmar Lang]

...and a detail of the dedication:

[Elmar Lang]

Remaining with the Kriegsdekoration to the Leopold Order, this is a very early Knight's Cross, from the beginning of the XIX Century, with its typical one-sided crown, later (in 1860) adapted with a green enamelled laurel wreath:

[Elmar Lang]

And finally, a Feldspange to the Großkreuz mit der Kriegsdekoration; the miniature star is very accurately made, considering that the diametre measures 19,0 mm.; the centre is in gold and enamels; the whole (star and ribbon) is mounted on a brass plate, fitted with a hinge (the pin is missing):

[avensis2000]

Now THIS is nice. Especially that dedicated cross was a "wwoooow" for me. I havent seen Leopold crosses with dedication text before.

Thanks a lot for showing those beauties.

[Don D.]

Beautiful awards. Thanks for showing them and educating us.

[Elmar Lang]

Now, to widen the landscape, the image of the Grand Cross's collar in gold, with its badge, in the detail of the central link:

[Elmar Lang]

And a Grand Cross set for peacetime, dating from the early '60s of XIX Century:

[Elmar Lang]

A Grand Cross set with Kriegsdekoration from WW1; the sash badge in gilt bronze and enamels, the breast star in silver, gilt silver and enamels:

[Elmar Lang]

A 1st Class breast star in silver, gold and enamels: