Austria, Imperial. An Order of Malta, Small I Class Merit Cross, Military Division

Instituted 1099. A silver and white enamelled cross, the obverse medallion features a white Maltese cross on a red field, surrounded by a white enamel ring inscribed MIL.ORDO EQUITUM MELIT.BENE MERENTI, the reverse medallion presents the year 1916 on a red field surrounded by a white ring with a gilt wreath, measures 39.5mm (w) x 43.6mm (h), weighs 18.0 grams (including ribbon), worn on an original black triangular ribbon with a white and red stripe edge at the end denoting a war merit award, enamels intact, very minor contact, in near mint condition.

Contained in its original case of issue, of red leatherette exterior with a gilt Maltese cross on the lid, the interior presents a silk interior lid and a brown recessed medal bed, base bears a gilt B, measures 61mm (w) x 104mm (l) x 18mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, exterior bearing wear, in very fine condition.