{"product_id":"austria-imperial-a-military-merit-cross-iii-class-to-the-officers-of-the-intelligence-department-ook-eu24540","title":"Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class to the Officers of the Intelligence Department OOK","description":"\u003cp\u003e(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. Type II (1914-1918 Issue). A Military Merit Cross III Class, of high quality manufacture and unique history, constructed of 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 center piece, with engraved and enamelled filled arms bearing DIE OFFIZIERE DER NACHRICHTENABTEILUNG DES OOK-KRIEG GEGEN RUSSLAND across the arms, measures 30.7 mm (w) x 34.4 mm (h), weighs 15.7 grams including ribbon, unmarked, enamels intact, light toning and gilt wear, original trifold ribbon of white and red silk, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccompanied by a private presentation case in supple brown leather, lid impressed Die Offiziere der Nachrictenabteilung des OOK. Krieg gegen Russland., in gilt, interior in silk with maker mark ROTHE on the lid with a velvet fitted medal bed, measures 85 mm (w) x 130 mm (l) x 30 mm (d), delicate engravings on the hinges and clasp, all functional, light wear to exterior, in extremely fine condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFootnote: During the First War, the OOK (often referring to the Operierende Oberkommando or \"Operational High Command\") served as a transitional staff body during the initial mobilization phase. Prior to the full activation of the AOK (Armeeoberkommando), which functioned as the permanent wartime Army High Command for field armies, the OOK managed the immediate shift from peacetime administration to active combat operations. While the AOK became the standardized command center for land forces throughout the war, the OOK's historical significance lies in its role as the early operational skeleton that bridged the gap between peacetime readiness and the outbreak of total war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49779857555733,"sku":"EU24540","price":2517.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/eMedals_EU24540_5.jpg?v=1771449991","url":"https:\/\/www.emedals.com\/products\/austria-imperial-a-military-merit-cross-iii-class-to-the-officers-of-the-intelligence-department-ook-eu24540","provider":"eMedals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}