 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2017) |
| Austrian Imperial Order of Leopold | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:AUT_Order_of_Leopold_Grand_Cross_Star.svg) Grand Cross Star of the order | |
Awarded by &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Imperial_Standard_of_Austria-Hungary_(1915-1918).svg){kind=small} The Head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine | |
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Royal house | House of Habsburg-Lorraine |
| Motto | INTEGRITATI ET MERITO and OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM |
| Awarded for | Civil and military merit |
| Status | Dormant |
| Sovereign | Karl von Habsburg |
| Grades | Grand Cross First Class Commander Knight |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary |
| Next (lower) | Order of the Iron Crown (Austria) |
| Equivalent | Order of the Starry Cross |
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:AUT_Imperial_Order_of_Leopold_ribbon.svg){kind=small} Ribbon of the order (except 1st Class) | |
The Austrian Imperial Order of Leopold (German: Österreichisch-kaiserlicher Leopold-Orden) (Hungarian: Osztrák Császári Lipót-rend) was founded by Franz I of Austria on 8 January 1808. The order's statutes stipulated only three grades: Grand Cross, Commander and Knight. During the war, in common with the other Austrian and later Austro-Hungarian decorations, war decoration (represented by a laurel wreath) and/or swords were added to reward meritorious service and bravery in the face of the enemy.
An Imperial Decree of 1 February 1901 ordered that in future, the senior grade would be split into two separate awards. From then onwards, there were four ranks: Grand Cross, First Class, Commander, Knight.
Until 18 July 1884, the award of the order also entitled the recipient, if he was not already of that standing, to be raised to the following appointments and/or ranks of the nobility:
- Grand Cross: Privy Councillor
- Commander: Baron
- Knight: Ritter