Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class, c.1914

(Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted on October 24th, 1849. Type II (1914-1918 Issue). A Military Merit Cross III Class, of multi-piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels,  consisting of a Cross Pattée with red and white enamelled arms, with gilded laurel leaves in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion inscribed with “VERDIENST” (Merit), the reverse with white enamelled arms and a white enamelled center medallion, measures 31.4 mm (w) x 34.6 mm (h), weighs 18.09 grams, marked A on loop denoting Vienna manufacture, and marked with a dianakopf (.900 silver fineness from 1872-1922), partial makers mark of Vincent Mayer on the fixed ring, connected via a double barrelled loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, enamels intact, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition.