Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849” and a Bravery Medal, c. 1918

A lot of two Imperial Austrian medals and awards, consisting of:

1. A Merit Cross “1849” IV. Class with Swords. (Verdienstkreuz “1849”). Instituted December 12th, 1849. (Third Period: 1914-1918 issue, Large Type). Constructed of silver with red enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enameled arms, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a central gilt monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of “Viribus Unitis” (United Forces) in capitalized Latin, the reverse with a central medallion bearing the institution year of “1849”, on an affixed loop and swivel ring for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon with crossed swords, unmarked, measuring 35.6 mm (w) x 40.2 mm (l), a well preserved example in near extremely fine condition. 

2. A Bravery Medal. (Tapferkeitsmedaille). Instituted July 19th, 1789. (Type IV: Full Ring Suspension). A circular silver medal, the obverse with the rightward facing profile of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by his name and title in Latin, the reverse inscribed “Der Tapferkeit” (For Bravery) within a laurel wreath with the dual crossed flags at the base, on a loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.4 mm in diameter, weighing 22.51 grams, in near extremely fine condition.