Instituted August 14 1914 by Franz Joseph I. Military Division. In silver, a red and white enamelled cross with a superimposed oak and laurel wreath across the arms, the obverse medallion features a red enamelled cross on a white enamelled field, surrounded by a red ring inscribed PATRIAE AC HUMANITATI, the reverse bears the dates 1864 1914 on a white enamel field, the reverse of the wreath is plain, measures 36.4mm (w) x 48.3mm (h), weighs 23.3 grams (including ribbon), marked with Diane’s head and 2 denoting silver fineness and Viennese manufacture, marked A denoting Viennese manufacture on suspension loop, enamels intact with residue around medallion, worn on original triangular ribbon, in very fine condition.
Contained in its original case of issue, red leatherette, lid impressed Patriae ac Humanitati 1864-1914 K.D, interior presents maker mark on lid G.A SCHEID WIEN, case measures 61.8mm (w) x 110.5mm (l), hinge and catch functional, in extremely fine condition.