Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, by A. Kittner

(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1875-1914 issue). In Gold, a beautiful decoration by Vincent Mayer & Sohne, comprising a Gold cross with red enamel arms, the obverse medallion featuring the raised initials FJ on a white enamelled disc, the reverse bears the date 1849, measures 29.6 mm (w) x 33.45 mm (h), weighs 6.92 grams, maker marked “A.KITTNER IN WEIN” on the suspension ring, worn on a replacement trifold ribbon, enamels intact, dent in the edge of the 3 o’clock arm, near extremely fine. 

Contained in the original case of issue, the black exterior with pebbled history with partial impression on the lid, the interior lid in silk, with green velvet medalbase, minor ripping and in the silk lid, measures 60 mm (w) x 100 mm (h) x 20 mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, very fine.