Austria, Empire. A First War Bereavement Cross 1914-1915

In bronze gilt, obverse illustrating a crucified Christ on the cross, the junction of the cross with a large voided circle symbolizing a halo with his head centred within it, inscribed in Latin with the acronym "INRI" (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum = Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews) at the top of the cross, inscribed "KRIEGS / FÜRSORGE /1914 / 1915" and engraver marked "HARTIG" (Arnold Hartig) at the bottom of the cross, plain reverse, measuring 74.3 mm (w) x 148.5 mm (h), a ring at the the top for suspension, scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, gray cloth exterior, black paper bottom, impressed with the Austrian coat-of-arms and inscribed "Kriegsfürsorgeamt / 1914-1915" in gold-coloured ink on the lid, white cloth padded inside lid bearing the impression of the cross, violet felt recessed medal bed, latch closure, scuffing evident on the bottom, case better than very fine.