Imperial Austria Merit Cross 4th Class Cased

Product Description: This Imperial Austria Merit Cross 4th Class is a gorgeous award, made especially desirable by the presence of the original case. This piece dates from around 1908. Both sides of this top quality cross feature beautiful translucent red enamel, with attractive age toning to the original finish on the metal. There is little or no evident wear, and only slight age. The correct original red ribbon shows slight fading, and is folded in the typical Austrian “trifold” style, with a brass hook and eye fitting on the reverse that would allow it to be affixed to a medal bar. This Imperial Austria Merit Cross is complete with a really nice original case. The case is covered with fabric on the exterior, and shows only light wear. The silver foil embossed “V.K.” on the lid is nearly perfect, and the push button closure and hinge are both intact and functional. The underside of the case is covered with paper, and has an intact paper label with a “1908” date. Inside, the case rests on a beautiful green velvet covered insert that shows no damage. The silk on the lid interior is beautifully marked in gold leaf with the name and emblem of the award’s manufacturer, V. Mayers Söhne in Vienna. This set has outstanding visual appeal, and is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a constitutional monarchy and great power in Europe from 1867 to 1918, when it was dissolved following its defeat in WWI. Austria-Hungary issued a wide variety of medals and awards, some of which were orders that had first been instituted hundreds of years before. Awards were bestowed for military merit, to distinguish nobility, to honor and memorialize royalty, and in some cases to facilitate ennoblement. During WWI, additional distinctions were introduced to recognize bravery in the face of the enemy. Some awards were only bestowed upon officers or officials of similar rank. Long service awards were also issued, as well as special decorations for military chaplains, Red Cross and fire protection personnel. The Military Order of Maria Theresa, founded in 1757, was the highest military award of Austria-Hungary. The last medal to be officially founded by the empire was the Wound Medal, in August 1917.

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