Armádní kříže z let 1813/1814 v Chaurově sbírce

Abstract

The Chaura unique numismatic collection, currently part of the collections of the National Muzeum which plans to gradually publish it, also involves a small phaleristics collection. There, a set of eight Army Crosses from years 1813/1814 stands out. The miniature and additionally revised decoration or private embossing with arms in shape of Leopold’s cross is accompanied by one specimen without secondary modifications. A rare phaleristic assemblage contains five crosses with edges additionally modified with engravings of the names of their bearers, their ranks and affiliations to a military unit. Count Georg Waldstein (1768–1825) and his son Anton (1793–1848), whose memorial decorations are also represented in the ensemble, were members of the so-called Noblegarde, a group of 37 aristocrats from the Czech Lands, accompanying the Emperor Franz I on his victorious campaign to Paris. This topic receives a special attention in the presented article, along with the origin, description and recorded secondary modifications of the Army Crosses.