Oostenrijks-Hongaarse rijk - Medaille - Order Of Saint Stephen, Grand Cross

Order of Saint Stephen (German: Sankt-Stephans-Orden, Hungarian: Szent István rend), Grand Cross. Post-1945 copy. Unmarked but displaying the typical craftsmanship characteristics of Rothe of Vienna. Gilt, very fine quality, intact enamels. 52 x 48 mm, not including the crown suspension. Excellent quality example in near mint condition.

This Order was established by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria to honour Hungarian nobility who had rendered substantial civil service. The official date of foundation was May 5, 1764, in line with the coronation ceremonies of Archduke Joseph being crowned King of the Romans.

The Order was awarded for extraordinary civil services to the ruling house and to the state (however, high ranking military officials were often awarded this Order). The Grand Master position was to be held by each successive Hungarian Monarch, the first being Maria Theresa, followed by Emperor Joseph II. It was awarded in three classes with a fixed number of companions: the Grand Cross (20), the Commander’s Cross (30) and the Knight’s Cross (50).

In 1938, the Order of Saint Stephen was revived by Regent Admiral Miklós Horthy in the Kingdom of Hungary. It was awarded a few times and finally dissolved in 1944.

Reference: https://www.medalbook.com/europe/austria/austria-imperial/orders/order-of-st-stephen/type-iii-(1880-1918)/order-of-st--stephen-type-iii-grand-cross-1/order-of-st--stephen-type-ii-grand-cross-(by-rothe-c--1910)-2

Will be carefully packaged and shipped with Track & Trace.