The order was established on December 2, 1849 by the young, only nineteen-year-old Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Franz Joseph I, on the first anniversary of his accession to the throne. The insignia of the order consisted of a badge and a star for the 1st and 2nd classes. A characteristic element was a narrow, red-enameled cavalier's cross with a gold border. The obverse medallion, enameled in white, contained a gold monogram of the founder of 'FJ'. The reverse of the medallion bore the date '1849.' The order's cross rested on a golden, double-headed Habsburg eagle, partly enameled in black and wearing a gold chain in its beaks. At the bottom of the chain there is Franz Joseph's motto, 'Viribus unitis' (United Forces).
The cross is made of gilded bronze.
On the ring is the artist's signature "V.MAYER'S SOHNE IN WIEN".
Cross with original box.
Gilded bronze, dimensions 51 x 32 mm
