With the collapse of Napoleon’s empire, Imperial Austria regained its traditional control of Lombardy as the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.

Grand Cross (French) and First Class (Austrian) knights wore a sash and badge over the right shoulder, with an eight-pointed star (that featured the Iron Crown at its center) on the left breast.

Variations in the star matched the details of the knight's specific award: including the war decoration wreath and the crossed swords.

The Second Class Kleine Dekoration was a miniature depiction of the Iron Crown of Lombardy (copied from the lower part of the actual medal).

Hence, ordinary knights medals were also frequently adorned with crossed swords, pinned to the tri-fold ribbon.