Austria-Hungary, Empire. An Honour Decoration of the Red Cross, Silver Merit Medal with War Decoration and Case, by Vincent Mayer’s Söhne

(Ehrenzeichen vom Roten Kreuz, Silberne Medaille mit Kriegsdekoration und Etui). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, the obverse finished in green enamels, with a central white enameled shield bearing a red Geneva Cross, flanked by angels and above an inscription of “PATRIAE AC HUMANITATI” (“PATRIOTISM AND HUMANITY”), the reverse bearing raised dates “1864-1914”, topped by an integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original bow tie ribbon both the loop and ring stamped with a mark of “A” indicating manufacture in Vienna, with the former also bearing the hallmark of Vincent Mayer’s Söhne, Vienna, and an additional illegible mark, measuring 36.68 mm (w) x 48.90 mm (h), weighing 30.7 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux white leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt embossed inscription of “PATRIAE ET HUMANITATI 1864-1914 K.D.”, the interior with a depressed white felt medal bed, unmarked, measuring 85 mm (w) x 90 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), a high-quality early piece in extremely fine condition.