Austria, Imperial. Order of the Knights of Malta, I Class Merit Cross

(Souveräner 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 maltese cross on a red enamelled field, the cross is surmounted by a crown, and worn on a bow ribbon denoting a female recipient, measures 42.0 mm (w) x 69.34 mm (h), enamels intact, medallions slightly loose, remains in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original case of issue, a red leatherette exterior with white maltese cross on the lid, the interior lid marked TANFANI & BERTARELLI, with a dark red recessed medal bed, measures 103 mm (w) x 103 mm (h) x 24 mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, light wear, in extremely fine condition.