Austria, Imperial. A Merit Cross in Gold, II Class with Case, by V. Mayer’s Söhne

(Verdienstkreuz in Gold, II. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 2 February 1849. (1872-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with a Gold frame and red enameled arms, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion with a Gold monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph, set within Gold ring, with the outer rim of the medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”), the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a Gold institution date of “1849”, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring affixed to a period original tri-fold ribbon, the suspension ring maker marked “V. MAYER’S SÖHNE IN WIEN”, with a Gold hallmark and symbol of the city of Vienna, measuring 29.42 mm (w) x 33.66 mm (h), weighing 11.5 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of card stock with a faux dark green leather exterior liner, the lid bearing gilt initials “V.K.”, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner bearing a gilt maker’s mark of “V. MAYER’S SÖHNE, K.U.K. HOF U. KAMMERJUWELIERE ORDENFABRIKANTEN, WIEN”, with a slatted an depressed emerald green velvet medal bed, the bottom marked with a date of “1908”, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, with minor material fatigue evident to the case, in overall extremely fine condition.