Austria, Imperial. A Cross of Merit, IV Class, with Case, by F. Braun

(Verdienstkreuz IV. Klasse mit Etui). Issued 1914-1918. Third Period.Constructed of silver, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enameled arms, the obverse with a central silver medallion inscribed “FJ” (Franz Josef), circumscribed by an inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”), the reverse with an analogous medallion bearing a date of “1849”, on a loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, the loop with a makers mark of “F. Braun, Wien”, measuring 30.71 mm (w) x 34.73 mm (h), weighing 8.5 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed inscription of “V.K.”, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner bearing an Imperial Austrian coat of arms, with a depressed white doeskin medal bed, opening with a functional bronze spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, the exterior with a maker’s mark of “Etuis & Cassetten Fabrik, J.G. Bergmann, Wien VII”, measuring 58 mm (w) x 98 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.