Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) GTRexclude grayish-green paper backer

grayish-green paper backer

28 mm (w) x 34

black and gray enamels

His courage

All are fine quality embroidery

Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) GTRexclude grayish-green paper backer(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. Multi piece construction, in bronze gilt with red and white enamels, bronze hallmarked and maker marked "WILM. KUNZ WIEN X" (Wilhelm Kunz, Vienna) on the ring, measuring 36 mm (w) x 58. 5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, the reverse centrepiece rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise, original triangular war ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine. In an unmatched but authentic