Austria, Imperial. A Silver Merit Medal for the Lower Austrian State Contingent, c.1797

(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Niederösterreichischen Aufgebots). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a rightward-facing profile of Francis II circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with an inscription of “DEN BIEDEREN SOEHNEN OESTERREICHS DES LANDESVATERS DANK MDCCXCVII” (“TO THE HONEST SONS OF AUSTRIA, THE FATHERLAND’S THANKS”) inside of an oak wreath, the obverse with a mark of “I. N. WIRT”, measuring 39.45 mm in diameter, weighing 18.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.