Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class and an 1849 Merit Cross, I Class Cross

(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1875-1914 issue). In bronze gilt, a cross with crown, with red enamel arms, the obverse medallion featuring the raised initials FJ on a white enamelled disc encircled by a chain pattern, the reverse bears the date 1849, measures 37.2 mm (w) x 58.7 mm (h), marked with a bronze star on the ring, worn on the original faded ribbon with crossed swords device, enamels intact, scattered gilt wear, in very fine condition. 

(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 30.8 mm (w) x 34.4 mm (h), weighs 16.15 grams, connected via a double barrelled loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, gilt loss to obverse, a lovely decoration in very fine condition.