Austria, Imperial. Order of the Knights of Malta, I Class Merit Cross certificate_of_authenticity on a horizontally pierced ball

on a horizontally pierced ball and swivel ring for suspension from its shortened period original ribbon (with clear sticky tape on the reverse from previous collector mounting)

on a loop for suspension from period original bow-tie ribbon on horizontal pinback

It is constructed of a glossed card stock binding

Issues consistent with age and storage are evident

Portela had a great deal of trust in Lavalle

Austria, Imperial. Order of the Knights of Malta, I Class Merit Cross certificate_of_authenticity on a horizontally pierced ball(Souverner Malteseorden I. Klasse Verdienstkreuz mit Kriegsdekoration). Constructed of gilded silver with multi coloured enamels, consisting of an Anchor Cross with white enamelled arms, the obverse with a central red enamelled medallion bearing a white enamelled Maltese cross, surrounded by a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI (MILITARY ORDER OF MERIT), the reverse medallion featuring a white