Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/45

Rh Tab. I., No. 9.) On festival days, the cross is worn upon the breast, suspended by a golden neck chain, the links of which consist alternately of the monogram initials ' F. L,' (Francis and Leopold) with the Austrian crown above them, and of wreaths of oak leaves.

The Commanders wear their cross round the neck, suspended by a smaller and rather narrower ribbon (about an inch wide), while the Knights (simple) wear the cross of a smaller size, at the button-hole of the left breast, by a narrow ribbon of about half an inch wide.

The uniform or costume with the exception of the mantle, is for all classes red and white, (the national colours of Austria). The coat with an upright collar, breeches, shoes, and cap, are all of red velvet. The coat is lined white, and edged with golden embroidery four inches deep, representing garlands of oak leaves. The shoes are adorned with bows of gold lace instead of buckles: The body is girded with a white silk sash richly trimmed with golden fringes hanging over the sword, which is adorned with gilt bronze, the hilt forming a cross. At one side of the pommel are the initials 'F. I. A.' and at the other, the foundation year of the Order. The scabbard is covered with red velvet. The cap is adorned with white feathers, and with a golden cord, which is twisted round it three times. The neck-collar, four inches wide, is of cambric linen, it falls down the neck, and is trimmed with gold lace. The gloves, of white leather, have large gauntlets adorned with golden fringes. The white velvet mantle—the symbol or knightly purity and virtue—distinguishes the various classes by its length and width, as also by the depth of its golden embroidery, and by the trimming of white silk plush in imitation of ermine.

The cross of the Officers is set in a large golden medal, encircled by the legend. It is worn round the neck sus-