Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with War Decoration, by V. Mayer's Söhne
(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Kriegsdekoration). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, the obverse with red and white enameled arms, with a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised silver inscription of “VERDIENST” (“MERIT”) inside of a red enameled ring, the reverse with white enameled arms and centerpiece, with silver laurel leaf branches through the quadrants, the suspension loop marked “VM” for maker V. Mayer’s Söhne, Wien, with a partially-intact silver hallmark, measuring 31.04 mm (w) x 34.07 mm (h), weighing 14.5 grams, some flecking of enamels and dislocation of the central inscription evident, in overall better than very fine condition.

