(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich). Instituted in 1952. Badge: cross-shaped base in silver with red and white enamels, arms insignia suspension in silver with red, white, blue and black enamels, measuring 50 mm (w) x 72 mm (h) inclusive of its arms suspension, full-length neck ribbon; and Breast Star: arms insignia in silver with red, white, blue and black enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, each star point with five emanating rays, maker hallmarked "W.R" (Wolfgang Reitterer) and marked "800" (silver) on the the pin, maker marked "WOLFGANG REITTERER ORDEN EHRENZEICHEN SCHUBERTG. 24 1090 WIEN" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 84.5 mm (w) x 85.3 mm (h), vertical pinback. Intact enamels, extremely fine. Accompanied two 9.5 mm in diameter rosettes, in their hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior, marked with the Republic of Austria coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink on the lid, maker marked "WOLFGANG REITTERER ORDEN, EHRENZEICHEN 1090 WIEN SCHUBERTG. 24" on the white satin lined inside lid, black felt recessed and slotted medal bed for the badge and breast star respectively, single clasp closure, dual-hinged, measuring 118.5 mm (w) x 242 mm (h) x 36 mm (h), case also extremely fine.
Footnote: The Honour Badge for Merit of the Republic of Austria was instituted on April 2, 1952 by the National Council. It is awarded for outstanding achievement and exceptional services to the Republic, in twelve grades, plus three medals.