Austria. A Merit Cross "1849", 3rd Class, 2nd Period (1875-1914)

Verdienstkreuz. Instituted in 1849. In silver with red enamels, marked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) hallmark, the head flanked by a "3" (silver fineness) on the left and marked with the assay city mark "A" (Vienna) on the right and maker marked "F. BRAUN IN WIEN" on the ring, measuring 36.7 mm (w) x 52 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, extremely fine.