Austria, Republic. An Honour Badge for Merit of the Republic of Austria, VIII Class Star, c.1955

(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich). Instituted in 1952. Three-piece construction, arms insignia in silvered bronze with red, white, blue and black enamels, mounted a cross-shaped base in silvered bronze with red and white enamels, measuring 62.7 mm (w) x 63 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, contact marks evident on the reverse, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its 12.5 mm in diameter rosette, in its hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior, marked with the Republic of Austria coat-of-arms in silver-coloured ink on the lid, maker marked "ANTON REITTERER ORDENSJUWELIER WIEN IX. SCHUBERTG. 24" on the white satin lined inside lid, black felt slotted medal bed, push release closure, dual-hinged, measuring 98 mm (w) x 98.8 mm (h) x 33 mm (h), spotting evident on the lid, partial label affixed to the bottom, case also near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Honour Badge for Merit of the Republic of Austria was instituted on April 2, 1952 by the National Council. It is awarded for outstanding achievement and exceptional services to the Republic, in twelve grades, plus three medals.