Early Grand Cross Set of the Order, Instituted in 1854. Sash Badge, 71x45 mm., in gilt Silver, red enameled cross with green/white enameled border, flanked by polished, golden beams and surrounded by a golden laurel and palm wreath, obverse centre medallion with the polychrome enameled image of the Holy Virgin applied on yellow enameled ground, with engraved, golden beams, green enameled outer circlet bearing the golden inscription “RELIGION INDEPENDENCIA UNION”, white enameled reverse centre medallion, bearing the motto “AL MERITO Y VIRTUDES” (the correct motto of this order, when of “Imperial” type, as reported on the original statutes) within green enameled border, hinged upper link as a crowned, golden, chiseled eagle with open wings, holding a snake and resting on a cactus, suspension ring, grooved at the middle, suspended to the original, full length sash with bow, Breast Star, 93x81 mm, with chiseled and pierced Silver rays with thin, engraved border, the centre in Gold and enamels, similar to the badge’s obverse, gilt reverse, fitted with vertical pin, this, struck with the marks “C.F. ROTHE” and “WIEN”, the counter-medallion with applied escutcheon bearing the maker’s name “ROTHE JOYERO DE S.M. EL EMP. DE AUSTRIA Y DEL SHAH DE PERSIA VIENA KOHLMARKT N. 7”, with the original award document dated in Miramar (the castle near Trieste, residence of Emperor Maximilian until his departure towards Mexico), April 10th, 1864 to the French General C.A. Frossard (1807-1875), with original signature of the Emperor. A most rare set of this order, of the earliest production, as provided by Austria’s Court Jewelers Rothe, whose quality and workmanship was always higher than the otherwise, extremely fine French production, of great rarity and interest, mint condition. I RR!