Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class, with Swords, by Rothe

(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. Type II (1914-1918 Issue). A Military Merit Cross III Class, 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 enamels and hand etched laurels, well marked on integral ring with silver hallmarks and makers mark FR (Rothe), measuring 30.8 mm )w) x 34.6 mm (h), on period ribbon with bronze gilt swords, extremely fine.