Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, First Period (One Class), Type III with War Decoration visually-hidden measuring 24 mm (w) x

measuring 24 mm (w) x 19 mm (h)

edged by blue twisted Celleon (indicating Reserve)

measuring 12 cm (h) x 5

8 mm (w) x 80

5th Company)

Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, First Period (One Class), Type III with War Decoration visually-hidden measuring 24 mm (w) x(Militrverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. First Period (1849 1914). (c. 1860s issue). An early and well preserved example of this award, of multi piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels, on a fixed ring and swivel loop for suspension from its period original tri fold ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patte with red and white enameled arms, with gilded laurel leaves in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the