This is a notable deviation from most of the dated examples in the Royal Hunt Collection, which are dated to periods of relative peace and stability. In December of 1918 the Austro-Hungarian Empire was in a rather perilous state; although action on the Eastern Front had started to calm down with the assumption of power of the Bolshevik's in Russia, internal unrest was at an all time high, food supplies were in a critical state and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was still actively facing off against the Italians while also having to keep an eye on Serbia. Within less than a year of the date on this plaque, Austria-Hungary would break down, ceasing to exist as a unified nation and forced to come to terms with the Western Entente powers. Items from the "Emperor Franz Joseph Collection" were collected from surviving members of the Hapsburg Royal Family, and while many of the items are attributed to the Emperor himself, it is quite likely that this trophy was taken by a high ranking member of the Austrian nobility, though no information is available as to whom. Measuring approximately 30 inches tall and 26 inches wide, this cap mount features a set of eleven point antlers and is mounted on an oak leaf and acorn themed carved hardwood plaque. A small shield in the center is marked "Offensee/Ebenseeau/19 1/XII 17", indicating a hunt in Upper Austria, near Lake Offensee around December 1st, 1917.