Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class Military Division with Case, by Rothe

(Militärverdienstkreuz, Kreuz III. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 22 October 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with its arms joined together through the quadrants by a circular laurel leaf wreath, the obverse with white enameled arms trimmed with red enameled borders, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a raised silver inscription of “VERDIENST” (“MERIT”), within a ring of red enamel, the reverse with white enameled arms and a central white enameled medallion, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring with a period original tri-fold ribbon, the obverse of the integral loop double-stamped with illegible hallmarks, measuring 30.62 mm (w) x 33.86 mm (h), weighing 16.9 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former baring a maker’s mark fo “ROTHE & NEFFE, WIEN”, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 66 mm (w) x 115 mm (l), with minor flecking visible to the decoration’s enamels and moderate material fatigue visible to the exterior liner of the lid, in overall near extremely fine condition.