Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Medal, III Class by Mayer & Sohne, in Case

 (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 30.3 mm (w) x 33.6 mm (h), weighs 16.76 grams, marked FR on integral suspension denoting Rothe manufacture, Austrian silver mark on integral suspension, suspended from its period original tri-fold ribbon, gilt loss to obverse, slightly loose central medallion, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in the original case of issue, a brown leatherette exterior marked MILITAER VERDIENSTKREUZ III. KLASSE K.D.,  the interior silk lid marked V.MAYERS SOHNE, a black velvet medalbed, measures 66 mm (w) x 115 mm (h) x 21mm (d), light wear around the exterior, functional clasp, in very fine condition.