Award of the Governor of Styria

[Matthew]

This piece just showed up. I bought it for the esthetics alone but when it arrived I realized that it was sculpted as signed by none other than Arnold Hartig who happened to be one of more famous medalists and sculptors of the era. He worked for a time for Vienna State Mint.
I have not been able to find out when as it would help date this piece (it is stamped Munzamt Wien) but assuming he was born in 1870's it is most likely pre 1945.
Would be nice to know if it is pre Anschluss but that will have to wait I guess.
The fact that it is made out of 900 silver and comes in at just under 200 grams is an added bonus that the seller missed.
Not bad for under 50 Euros I guess.
I gather it was some sort of award from the Governor of Styria but was hoping someone here would know what those were awarded for?
I have never seen another so all input is appreciated- thanks in advance.

cheers
Matt

[Matthew]

more pics

Two more pics.

cheers
Matt

[Duzig]

Hello,
Matt, don't know anything about your award other than to say it is quite a beauty and for that price incredible. Having the case to it is a definite plus also. I love seeing plaques and medallions, cased or not. What is the size of it?
Nice score!
Duzig(Bill)

[Matthew]

Hello Bill,

The size of this award is roughly 3.5x2.5 inch.
My understanding is that Hartig became quite the recluse after the war and although still produced a thing or two his works were exclusively of religious nature. That would almost certainly date this piece pre 45- question is how many years pre. On that I am still working.

cheers
Matt

[Duzig]

Hello Matt,
Thanks for the info on size. I usually only "collect" certain type items but if something appeals as you say aesthetically to me, I'll buy it just for the beauty of the item. I too would like to know more about this item so I hope others add info about this item. Again nice piece!
Duzig(Bill)