Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class, by Aek Köchert, c.1915

(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. Type II (1914-1918 Issue). A Military Merit Cross III Class, extremely well executed in silver with red and white enamels,  consisting of a Cross Pattée with red and white enamelled arms, with gilded 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 center, marked on the integral suspension ring with AK denoting Albert Keibel, manufacture, with an Austrian silver hallmark denoting silver composition and Vienna manufacture, measures 30.94 mm (w) x 34.52 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), period original tri-fold ribbon, minor enamel wear, remains extremely fine.