Austria, Empire. An Order of Leopold, Commander, by Rothe, c. 1980 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac 511mm (w) x 109

511mm (w) x 109

A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage

It was unrestricted by birth or education and could therefore be awarded to anyone (as opposed to the Order of the Polar Star

Colonel Markley was one of nine

Austria, Empire. An Order of Leopold, Commander, by Rothe, c. 1980 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac 511mm (w) x 109Instituted in 1808. In bronze gilt and enamels, red enameled cross with white enamel edging, obverse centerpiece bearing the monogram FIA in gold on a red enameled background, surrounded by a white enameled ring with the motto INTEGRITATI ET MERITO, the reverse centerpiece motto reads OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM on a white enameled background, surrounded by a gold ring, inclusive of laurel and crown suspension 79. 3 mm (h) x 40 mm (w), on original