Born in Vienna in 1830, Franz Joseph I held the title of Emperor of Austria and King of Bohemia from 1848 until 1916. His 68 year reign made him the second longest reigning monarch in the recorded history of Europe. He began his career in the Austrian Army as a colonel at the tender of age of thirteen and continued to wear army uniform for most of his life. In 1854, he married Elizabeth Amalie Eugenie, Princess of Bavaria, better known as 'Sissi', one of the most romanticised couples of the Royal Courts of Europe.
Having been so impressed by the three books written by Dr. B.J. Römer-Büchner detailing his election as Emperor, Franz Joseph gave this necklace to the author as a token of his appreciation.