Austria, Imperial. A Cross of Merit in Gold with Case, by V. Mayers Söhne, ca. 1908

(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Etui). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1850-1918 issue). Constructed of 18 kt. Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enameled arms and a Gold frame, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a central Gold monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“UNITED FORCES”), the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a Gold date of “1849”, on a gilded and enameled crown suspension with loop connecting to a period original tri-fold ribbon, the loop maker marked “V. MAYERS SÖHNE, WIEN” with a gold assay mark and letter “A” indicating Vienna manufacture, measuring 29.43 mm (w) x 33.69 mm (h), weighing 11.5, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed inscription of “V.K.”, the interior with a white satin lid liner with a maker’s mark of “V MAYERS SÖHNE, K.u.K. HOF U. KAMMERJUWELIERE ORDENFABRIKANTEN, WIEN”, with a slotted and depressed dark green velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, measuring 58 mm (w) x 92 mm (l) x 18 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.