An Austrian Golden Cross of Merit with Crown in Gold by V. Mayer & Sohn

A fine quality manufacture cased Austrian Cross of Merit with Crown; gold cross pattée with arms in rounded ends, with a gold crown suspension signed “V. Mayers Söhne”, “in Wien”, with the “Gemsenkopf 3A” hallmark for 18k gold; the obverse with a circular central white medallion with “FJ” for “Emperor Franz Joseph” within a gold border and the inscription “Viribus Unitis” (Strength Through Unity); the reverse equally with a circular central white medallion with the institution date “1849”; on a replacement tri-fold wartime ribbon; measuring 55.40 mm x 35.86 mm (with crown); weighing 15.1 grams. Accompanied by its original case of issue; constructed of heavy pressed paper with a textured dark green faux leather exterior; lined interior lid embossed with “V. Mayers Söhne - Hof u. Kammerjuweliere Ordenssfabrikanten Wien” in golden lettering; with a recessed medal bed with room for its ribbon; the exterior dated “1909” and with a stamp reading “843/1909”; functional spring catch with stud release and functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 106 mm x 59 mm; extremely fine condition.