Austria, Imperial. A First World War War Cross for Civil Merit Second Class with Case.

(Kriegskreuz für Zivilverdienste II. Klasse) instituted on 16 February 1916, constructed in silver gilt with white enamelled cross arms, the obverse centre presenting the raised imperial cipher “FJI” (Franz Joseph I) within a circular ring inscribed “MERITO CIVILI TEMPORE BELLI MCMXVI” (“For Civil Merit in Time of War 1916”), superimposed upon a gilt laurel wreath denoting the War Decoration, the reverse plain, fitted with a vertical pinback, officially hallmarked “FR” for Friedrich Rothe, Vienna, together with Vienna assay marks and silver hallmarks on the pin and wreath, measuring 45.2 mm x 44.6 mm, 31.0 grams, housed in its original fitted red leatherette case measuring 75.5 mm x 72.4 mm; light contact wear and scattered surface marks to the gilt finish, the enamels intact, the case exhibiting moderate exterior wear from storage, extremely fine.

Footnote: The War Cross for Civil Merit was instituted by Emperor Franz Joseph I on 16 February 1916 to recognize civilians who rendered valuable services to the Austro-Hungarian war effort during the First World War. Friedrich Rothe of Vienna was among the Imperial Court’s foremost manufacturers of Austro-Hungarian orders and decorations, and his hallmarked examples are particularly sought after by collectors.