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 December 2, 1849 on the first anniversary of his assumption of the Imperial Crown. The order was originally awarded in three classes:
- Grand Cross
- Commander's Cross
- Knight's Cross
The Commander's Star, which ranked immediately below the Grand Cross, was added in 1869, and the Officer's Cross, which ranked between the Commander and the Knight, was introduced on February 1, 1901. The Grand Cross, the Commander's Star and Officer's Cross were breast decorations, whereas the Commander's Cross was worn at the neck. The Knight wore his award suspended from a triangular ribbon on the left breast. Both the Commander's and Knight's Crosses were originally suspended from a red ribbon. 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. However, 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-Hungarian Empire in 1918. It was not re-established with the foundation of the Republic of Austria in 1919 when titles became illegal.
