Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with War Decoration, Swords, and Commemorative Date, c.1914

 (Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern). Instituted 24 October 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph. (1914-1918 Issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon with sword clasp, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with white enameled arms trimmed with red enameled borders, joined through the quadrants by a circular and green enameled laurel leaf wreath, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a raised silver inscription of “VERDIENST” (“MERIT”), situated within a red enameled ring, the reverse with white enamels to both the arms and centrepiece, notably bearing a central hand-painted monogram, flanked on the three o’clock arm by a date of “22. 5. 1917” and on the nine o’clock arm with a cross and date of “1997” (presumably as a recipient memorial), the suspension ring stamped with a Vienna assay mark of “A”, measuring 30.58 mm (w) x 34.20 mm (h), weighing 13.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking throughout the enamels with minor surface chipping (particularly to the obverse six o’clock arm and reverse central medallion), a unique example with a dedication and enameled wreath in near extremely fine condition.