Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Case, by V Mayers S

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Etui). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with red and white enameled arms, with a central red enameled medallion bearing a raised gilt inscription of “VERDIENST” (“MERIT”) within a red enameled ring, the reverse with plain white enameled arms and centerpiece, with laurel branches through the quadrants, unmarked, measuring 30.36 mm (w) x 34.14 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams inclusive of ribbon, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux purple leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gilt inscription of “MILITAEVERDIENSTKREUZ III. CL. K.D.”, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner bearing a maker’s mark of “V. MAYERS SÖHNE, K.K.HOF-U. KAMMER-JUWELIERE ORDENFABRIKANTEN, WIEN” and an intact hinge cover, with a slotted black doeskin medal bed, opening with a bronze spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, measuring 66 mm (w) x 115 mm (l), in better than very fine condition.