Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Small I Class with War Decoration, by Kochert, c.1900

(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 31.1 mm (w) x 34.9 mm (h), weighs 18.23 grams, marked on the integral suspension with an AEK denoting A.E. Kochert manufacture, a Diana’s head denoting silver composition and Vienna manufacture, with A mark on the loop denoting Vienna as well, worn on period trifold ribbon bearing a kleine dekorationen of a I Class Star in enamels with a War Decoration in the form of a wreath, light gilt wear, dark patina, minor enamel flecks to the reverse, in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in a red case, interior marked W. Schwaab & Comp. I. Opernring 21., black velvet medal bed, measures 61 mm (w) x 110 mm (h) x 23 mm (d), light wear to the exterior, functional clasp and hinge, remains very fine.