Austria, Imperial. A Cross of Merit with Crown, by Wilhelm Kunz, c.1918

(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1850-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enameled arms, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a central gilt monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“UNITED FORCES”), the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt date of “1849”, on a gilded and enameled crown suspension with loop connecting to a period original tri-fold ribbon, the loop maker marked “WILH. KUNZ, WIEN”, measuring 36.17 mm (w) x 59.75 mm (h), weighing 17.5, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed inscription of “V.K.m.d.K.”, the interior with a white celluloid lid liner bearing a gold embossed Austro-Hungarian coat of arms, with a slotted and depressed white doeskin medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, the reverse maker marked “I.G. BERGMANN, ETUIS- U. KASSETTENFABRIK WIEN” with a date of “1918”, measuring 57 mm (w) x 106 mm (l) x 18 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.