Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, Second Period (1914-1918), III Class, by Vincent Mayers & Son

(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. Second Period (1914-1918 Issue). A Military Merit Cross III Class, 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 Pattée with red and white enameled arms, with gilded laurel leaves in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion inscribed with “Verdienst” (Merit), the reverse with white enameled arms and a white enameled center medallion, marked “V.M” for manufacture by Vincent Mayers und Sohn, Wien, and Austrian hallmarked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) (which was used between 1872 and 1922), measuring 29.9 mm (w) x 30.5 mm (l), weighing 15.56 grams, with light contact marks to the enamels, in overall near extremely fine condition.