The Imperial Austrian Order of the Iron Crown
1st Class (Grand Cross) Star from ca. 1830. Breast Star, 85 mm, of almost Unique type with rounded rays with �frosted fields and polished borders, gold centre medallion with applied, enameled crown of Lombardy, sea blue enameled outer circlet with the Order�s motto �AVITA ET AUCTA� with chiseled lettering, two little stars and the finely chiselled motive of intertwined palm and oak branches through a laurel wreath (the same motive of the central link of the Order�s collar); the reverse, fitted with vertical pin. A beautiful, extremely rare early star, of an Italian Prince or Nobleman in the Kingdom of Sardinia, very similar to the early stars of the Order of St. Maurice and Lazarus, in superb condition. I RR!