Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class, V. Mayer & Sons, c. 1918

(Militärverdienstkreuz, III Klasse). Instituted October 22nd, 1849. (c. 1918 issue). Constructed of silver and silver gilt with multi-coloured enamels, on a fixed loop and swivel ring for suspension from its period original Austrian-style tri-folded ribbon featuring gilded crossed swords, consisting of a silver Cross Pattée with a silver gilt laurel wreath in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse of the cross with red and white enameled arms, with a central white enameled medallion bearing the inscription “Verdienst” (Merit) in capital lettering, surrounded by a red enameled ring, the reverse with solid white enameled arms and a white enameled center medallion, assay office marked with an "A" (Vienna) on the swivel loop, the obverse of the integral suspension maker marked with an "M" (V. Mayer's and Son of Vienna) on the right side and Austrian hallmarked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) (which was used between 1872 and 1922) on the left, measuring 30.8 mm (w) x 34.6 mm (l), weighing 17.63 grams, the enaemels on the obverse red ring slightly chipped and with a hairline crack in the white enameled medallion on the reverse, in overall better than very fine condition. Accompanied by a ribbon bar, constructed of a zink core with the award ribbon and gilded crossed swords on the obverse, the reverse with dual downward pointing hooks for attachment to a uniform, measuring 40 mm (w) x 18 mm (l). With a matching presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core, with a dark red/burgundy faux leather exterior, the exterior of the lid embossed with “Militaer-Verdienstkreuz III. Klasse” and “K.D.” in gilt capital lettering, the interior of the lid is lined with a padded off-white silk liner, embossed with the maker mark of “V. Mayer & Sons” in gilt letters, with a functional exterior metal hinge and intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional push-button closure, with a recessed medal-bed to accommodate the triangular ribbon and the award itself, measuring 65 mm (w) x 112 mm (l), in near extremely fine condition.