Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class by A.E. Kochert, in Case, c.1915

(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. Type II (1914-1918 Issue). A Military Merit Cross III Class, of multi-piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels,  consisting of a Cross Pattée with red and white enamelled arms, with laurel leaves in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion inscribed with “VERDIENST” (Merit), the reverse with white enamelled arms and a white enamelled center medallion, measures 30.9 mm (w) x 34.6 mm (h), weighs 16.4 grams including ribbon, marked AE K on the suspension denoting maker Kochert, a Dianakopf denoting silver fineness, with A stamp on the loop denoting manufacture in Vienna, worn on original trifold ribbon with crossed swords device, very minor imperfections in the enamels, in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in original case, textured burgundy exterior marked MILITAER VERDIENSTKREUZ K.D., interior with silk lid marked KOCHERT, with black velvet medal bed, measures 67 mm (w) x 115 mm (h) x 23 mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, minor areas of discoloration, remains in near extremely condition.