Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Enamelled War Decoration, 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 a white enamelled medallion, the arms engraved OFFIZ. KORPS B.H. FEDLJAGERBAON N:6,  the cross measures measures 31.3 mm (w) x 34.4 mm (h), weighs 16.2 grams, on a fixed ring and barrel loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, the ring is marked A denoting Viennese manufacture, enamels bearing light wear, discolouration of ribbon, integral ring slightly bent, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition.