Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class by Vincent Mayer, in Case, c.1914

(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 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 presents white enamel arms with a central silver medallion VOM OFFKORPS. D. K.u.K. OTOCANER. JNF. REG. NO 79, measures 30.6 mm (w) x 33.7 mm (h), weighs 20.5 grams, marked A on loop denoting Vienna manufacture, maker marked VM denoting Vincent Mayer manufacture on the integral ring, also marked with a Diana’s head on the integral ring, connected via a double barrelled loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon presenting a golden bar with crossed swords denoting multiple awards, enamel chips evident to obverse (specifically the ring around the medallion), ribbon soiled, remains a lovely decoration in near extremely fine condition. 

Contained in a Military Merit Cross case, a red exterior marked Vom Offiz. Korps des k.u.k. Otocaner Jnfntr. Rgmts. Graf. Jellacic No 79,  the interior with a black velvet medal bed and interior silk lid marked MORITZ TILLER, measures 65 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 21 mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, minor wear, in extremely fine condition.