Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880 Auction Archive maker marked “Bonner Kunstabzeichen Bedarf

maker marked “Bonner Kunstabzeichen Bedarf Fabrik

Between September and early October the German troops retreated to Norway’s Lyngen and Narvik region

with finely enameled arms and hand painted centre

overlaid by a diving Luftwaffe eagle clutching two lightning bolts

a very scarce maker of this badge

Austria, Empire. A Rare Military Order Of Maria Theresia In Gold, Grand Cross, C.1880 Auction Archive maker marked “Bonner Kunstabzeichen Bedarf(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