Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, First Period (One Class), Type III with War Decoration Republic of It is awarded in recognition

It is awarded in recognition of distinguished services to the nation

with various maker marks evident on the reverse of six of the badges

maker marked D

nther Gehrts was born on 25

190mm (w) x 167mm (l) x 75mm (d)

Austria, Empire. A Military Merit Cross, First Period (One Class), Type III with War Decoration Republic of It is awarded in recognition(Militrverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. First Period (1849 1914). (c. 1860s issue). An early and well preserved example of this award, of multi piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels, on a fixed ring and swivel loop for suspension from its period original broad tri fold ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patte with red and white enameled arms, with gilded laurel leaves in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the