What do the charms on this bracelet mean?
February 24, 2016 5:53 PM   Subscribe

I recently saw this bracelet, and I am wondering whether the charms are symbols of some sort of order/organization/society.

The larger red crosses say "1849" and "FJ" in gilded text in the center.

The blue crosses say "Virtute" and "Quis Ut Deus."

It's in a very old-school Tiffany box but I'm not sure if that's the original.

Any leads are helpful. Thanks!
posted by delight to Grab Bag (3 answers total)
 
I'm finding similar things on Google image for the Order of Franz Joseph (FJ), which was established in 1849. But I'm not finding anything connected to that for the Latin phrases.
posted by FencingGal at 6:29 PM on February 24, 2016


I'm thinking it's not a bracelet, but a chain meant to be worn across the chest. I'm finding images that are closer to what you have when I search "Order of Franz Joseph chain."
posted by FencingGal at 6:36 PM on February 24, 2016


These are all sash badges -- knighthoods and orders of merit -- from a variety of countries. The FJ (Franz Joseph) is Austrian, but the one to the right of it looks to me like a Belgian Order of Leopold.

"Quis Ut Deus" is the motto of the Royal Equestrian and Military Order of Saint Michael of the Wing, which is a Portuguese dynastic order of knighthood.

The wreath on the end looks like the top part of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, A Spanish civil order of merit.

These are the kind of items that would be given to a military officer of high standing, someone who has performed a great service to their country, or a foreign monarch or leader who has aided the nation in some way.

If those are real, and not scaled-down replicas, that chain is extremely valuable. You see that link to the Order of Isabelle example? It sold for $1140. You may want to consider getting this appraised.
posted by ananci at 7:06 PM on February 24, 2016 [1 favorite]


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