Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with War Decoration, by Moritz Tiller of Vienna

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Kriegsdekoration). Instituted October 24th, 1849. (Second Period: 1914-1918 issue). Of multi-piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels, the obverse consisting of a Cross Pattée with white and red enamels, with a laurel wreath in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the center with a white enameled medallion inscribed “Verdienst” in capital letters, the reverse of the cross in white enamels, suspended from a swivel ring from its period original tri-fold ribbon bearing a loosely attached war decoration clasp that is marked “Zimblek, Wien, VII” on the reverse, marked with a Diana’s head (Dianakopf - used between 1872 and 1922), “A” for manufacture in Vienna, and the maker mark for production by Moritz Tiller, measuring 30.7 mm (w) x 31.0 mm (l), weighing 16.43 grams, accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a red faux leather exterior, with a functional exterior metal hinge and intact interior hinge cover, the exterior of the lid embossed with “Verdienstkreuz” in golden lettering, the interior of the lid is padded and lined with silk and embossed with “Moritz Tiller, Wien” in golden lettering, with a black felt recessed medal bed for placement of the award, measuring 65 mm (w) x 107 mm (l), with patina from age and wear in overall very fine condition.