Austria, Imperial. A Merit Cross “Piis Meritis” for Military Chaplains, III Class, c.1960

(Piis Meritis). Instituted 1801. Type III (1911-1918). Military Division. A late Rothe manufacture of the Piis Meritis Cross, a silver cross with shamrock arms, the obverse medallion with a blue enamelled field bearing the inscription PIIS MERITIS, the reverse mirrors the obverse, worn on a ribbon with crossed swords in bronze gilt, measures 46.8mm (w) x 62.2mm (h- inclusive of integral ring), weighs 27.6 grams (including ribbon), wear to silver, enamels intact, in very fine condition.