Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross, III Class, by Etuis & Cassetten, c.1916
Austria. Merit Cross "1849", 3rd Class, 3rd Period (1914-1918), Cased: Bronze gilt with red and white enamels, silvered crown, marked with a six-pointed star on the ring, 37.5 mm x 60.5 mm, intact enamels, scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "V. K." over "m. d. K." on the lid, coat-of-arms of Franz Joseph I on the inside lid, soiled recessed medal bed, maker marked "ETUIS & CASSETTEN FABRIK J.G. BERGMANN WIEN VII" with an additional stamp in faded blue ink on the bottom, scuffed exterior, case fine.

