Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, First Period (One Class), Type III with War Decoration visually-hidden the two-headed crowned Austrian eagle

the two-headed crowned Austrian eagle below

the announcement appearing in the London Gazette 33671 of Friday

without silvering

An impressive collar composed of 20 tower links

Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, First Period (One Class), Type III with War Decoration visually-hidden the two-headed crowned Austrian eagle(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