Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with War Decoration, Cased

(Militär-Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. Multi-piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels, assay office marked with an "A" (Vienna) on the loop, the obverse of the integral suspension maker marked with an "M" (V. Mayer's and Son of Vienna) on the left side and Austrian hallmarked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) (which was used between 1872 and 1922) on the right side, measuring 30.5 mm (w) x 33.5 mm (h), intact enamels, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maroon thatched-look exterior, embossed "MILITAERVERDIENSTKREUZ III: KLASSE K.D." on the lid, inside lid in white satin and maker marked "V. MAYER's SÖHNE / K.K. NOF-U. / KAMMER-JUWELIERE / ORDENFABRIKATEN / WIEN", base with a recessed medal bed in black felt, measuring 66.5 mm (w) x 114 mm (h) x 24 mm (d), exhibiting scuffing on the exterior, along with fraying in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case fine.

Footnote: The Military Merit Cross was instituted on October 22, 1849 and was awarded to officers for deeds of bravery or other praiseworthy service in the face of the enemy or outstanding service in peacetime. It was originally awarded in one grade (similar to the III Class insignia), with the War Decoration added on January 12, 1860 for wartime awards. On September 23, 1914, the decoration was divided into three classes and finally, on December 13, 1916, the use of crossed swords was used to mark awards for bravery.