Order of Franz Joseph
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The Imperial Austrian Franz Joseph Order was founded by the Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria on the 2 December 1849 on the first anniversary of his assumption of the Imperial Crown . The order was originally in three classes:
- Grand Cross
- Commander
- Knight
Further grades of a Commander's Star was introduced in 1869 which ranked immediately after the Grand Cross and an Officers' Cross which ranked between the Commander and the Knight was introduced on the 1 February 1901. The Grand Cross, Commanders Star and officers' Cross were breast decorations whereas the Commanders' Cross was worn at the neck. The Knight wore his award suspended from a triangular ribbon on the left breast. Both the Commanders' and Knights' Crosses were originally suspended from a red ribbon. Although in common with the other Austro-Hungarian awards of the period, the Franz Joseph Order was further distinguished with the addition of the War decoration and Swords, the actual award was usually presented for distinguished service as opposed to gallantry in the face of the enemy.
The Order ceased to exist with the dissolution of the Austro-Hungryian Empire in 1918. It was not re-established with the foundation of the Austrian Republic in 1919 with titles being illegal.
