Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria Grant of Arms Signed with Related Material. Seven partially-printed and calligraphic pages (on four leaves), 11.25" x 15", in German, Vienna, July 13, 1892. This document elevates Franz Schmid of the emperor's bodyguard, henceforth known as Franz Ritter von Schmid, to the knighthood and grants him heraldic arms. The seven partially-printed pages are hand-lettered in black ink with some gold highlights. The document is boldly signed by Emperor Franz Joseph on the final page and countersigned by Count Eduard Taaffe as minister-president of Austria. The document is contained in a magnificent, bright purple embossed velvet cover with the detailed Imperial Austrian arms in gold. The inside covers are a tan moiré silk. The seal of Emperor Franz Joseph, in red wax, is encased in the original 4.75" bronze doré skippet and is attached to the document by a gold bullion and silk cord. The entire presentation, including the seal and skippet, are housed in a fitted tin case (11.75" x 20.5"), which is in turn placed in a 13" x 22.25" hardcase quarterbound in red cloth and leather with titles in gilt on the spine.

With a 9.75" x 15" certificate, dated April 27, 1902, awarding Franz Ritter von Schmid the Order of Merit. Accompanying the certificate is a three page book outlining the statutes of the order; a portrait of the emperor; and three postcards.