Description

Austria-Hungary Golden Cross of Merit with the Crown in it's original box Manufactured by Kunz Wien (Stamped on the suspension ring) Retailed by Joh. Blazincic & Sohne. The Cross of Merit (German: Verdienstkreuz, Hungarian: Érdemkereszt) was a military and civil decoration of Austria-Hungary, established on February 16, 1850, by Emperor Franz Josef. It recognized loyalty, public service, and contributions to the general good. Initially awarded in four classes, the decoration was expanded during World War I. On April 1, 1916, the Iron Cross of Merit, with and without a crown, was introduced for wartime service, with the latter reserved for lower-ranking soldiers. On December 13, 1916, Emperor Karl I authorized swords for all classes as a sign of bravery. The cross was worn on a red trifold ribbon in peacetime and the Medal for Bravery ribbon in wartime. Classes: Golden Cross of Merit with Crown (This order) Golden Cross of Merit Silver Cross of Merit with Crown Silver Cross of Merit Iron Cross of Merit with Crown Iron Cross of Merit Following the decree on the preservation of precious metals during wartime, the officially produced 1st and 2nd class awards were made from gold plated metal and stamped with an Asterix, in order to be replaced with solid gold after a victory which never came. This is the case for this order, stamped with two asterisks, on the body and the suspension ring. Inv: 6000 D253 N46