Austria, Republic. Austria, Republic. An Honour Badge for Merit of the Republic of Austria, Class 8

(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich). Instituted in 1952. Coat-of-arms insignia in silvered bronze with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, mounted to a cross base in silvered bronze with red and white enamels, maker marked "A. REITTERER JUWELIER WIEN IX SCHUBERTG. 24" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 63.5 mm (w) x 62.5 mm (h), vertical pinback, fine chipping evident in the green enamels on the shield bearing the Styria arms on the Austrian coat-of-arms insignia, otherwise the enamels are intact, scattered silvering wear and greening evident on the reverse, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its Rosette, measuring 12.5 mm in diameter with button hole attachment, in its hardshelled case of issue, red exterior on five sides, the coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink on the lid, black pebbled bottom bearing the partially legible sticker inscribed "ETUI-ČECH WIEN, VI.", inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "ANTON REITTERER ORDENSJUWELIER WIEN IX. SCHUBERTG. 24", medal bed in black felt and slotted for the pinback, measuring 98.7 mm (w) x 99.8 mm (h) x 31.8 mm (d), minor marks on the lid, 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 12 Grades and 3 Medals.