Austria - Republic of (1952-present): Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Sash, comprising breast star and sash badge, the star in silver and enamels, the reverse bearing makers plate for Anton Reitterer of Wien, the sash badge also in silver and enamels, complete with full length of sash ribbon, the set housed in its large fitted presentation case by Anton Reitterer of Wien. Attributed to Dr Carl Bobleter, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Austria.
Condition: enamel work good, overall Nearly Extremely Fine.
Provenance: acquired from a member of the recipient’s family.
Dr Carl Heinz Bobleter, was a prominent Austrian Diplomat, who held various ambassadorial roles during the 1950s-1970s, and in a position that specifically represented Austria’s interest in international economic matters, he was the Ambassador of Austria to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development between 1958 and 1964. He was later State Secretary at the Foreign Ministry and the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Austria, notably speaking at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in April 1967.
The Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria was first established by federal law on 4 November 1922. It initially had ten grades; later, it was expanded to sixteen grades. It was replaced in 1934 by the Austrian Order of Merit (Österreichischer Verdienstorden).
The modern iteration of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria was established by the National Council in 1952. It is conferred by the Republic of Austria to honour people (from Austria and abroad) who have rendered meritorious services to the country. Recipients are selected by the government. The awards are made by the President in accordance with the respective laws. The State President of Austria automatically receives the "Grand Star of the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria" by being elected to the office and holds this honour for life. This decoration should not be confused with other decorations in the Austrian honours system, such as the Austrian Decoration for Scient and Art.
