Austria, Empire. A Golden Cross of Merit with Crown in Gold, by Braun, c.1900

A hollow bronze gilt Latin cross with rounded edges, with red enameled arms on the obverse and reverse; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion, inscribed “FJ” (Franz Josef) in capital Gold lettering, surrounded by a gilt ring, and an ornately decorated white ring of enamels; the reverse with a similar white enameled medallion, dated “1849” in Gold numbers, surrounded by a narrow Gold ring; on a ring for suspension - marked with a "Gemsenkopf" mark for 18Kt GOLD, also maker marked "F. BRAUN IN WIEN"; suspended from a period original tri-fold ribbon; measuring 36.0 mm (w) x 55.0 mm (h); no chipping to enamels, excellent quality, circa 1900 period manufacture, in extremely fine condition. In original case of issue, very fine.