AUSTRIA, ORDER OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE

A full size neck badge in gold and enamels, early 19th Century, unsigned and unmarked but in original fitted case bearing the label of Johan Hollauer, ‘Ordens Galanterie=Arbeiter’ am 1149 Kohlmarkt, Vienna (fl. 1790-1824); subsequently adapted to include an unofficial uniface decorative suspension replacing the original fire-steel with ‘Jason scene’ element (which is nevertheless present and is offered with the lot, see below), also with the ‘coulant’ element (as originally supplied loose on the ribbon) altered by the addition of a mount to the reverse to form a riband carrier and with a hinged attachment to the badge, height 127mm, width at flames 65.7mm; together with the original double-sided fire-steel and ‘Jason scene’ section as supplied with the badge, in gold and enamels and of superb quality, with legend PRETIVM LABORVM NON VILE on the obverse and NON ALIVD on reverse, with finely-detailed cartouches depicting Jason and the Dragon and Gideon and the Midianites, height 55.8mm, width 37.2mm, in good extremely fine condition, with neck riband for wearing, in fitted case of issue.

Probably Louis-Antoine de Bourbon, Duc d’Angoulême and Comte de Marnes (1775-1844), the eldest son of the future Charles X, who was invested as a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1814.  At a later date the Duke must have given instructions for his badge to be altered although the original fire-stone and ‘Jason’ element, which is a perfect fit in the Hollauer case, could easily be reinstated. The base of the case bears a second Hollauer label, of slightly different style and in worn condition, as well as a later inventory label numbered ‘20’ and ‘Tolone D’oro No. 6’ handwritten in ink.

Enamel overall in good condition, with minor areas of losses consistent with wear. Scratches to the metal consistent with age. In extremely fine condition. Total gross weight approximately 106 grams. Fitted case.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."