Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, I Class Cross with III Class War Decoration, by A. Reitterer, c.1930

Instituted October 24, 1849. In silver, a white and red enamelled cross pattee, the center medallion with the gilt inscription VER DIENST (For Merit), sections of a gilt wreath in each quadrant of the arms denotes III Class war decoration, the reverse presents a single vertica pin marked AR denoting manufacture by Anton Reitterer, and 935 silver mark, measures 61.10mm (w) x 60.80mm (h), weighs 74.7 grams, enamels intact, oxidation to silver on edges of cross, remains in very fine condition.