Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) Hold and is marked STERLING on

and is marked STERLING on the reverse of the 6 o’clock arm

circumscribed by an inscription of “ALPINE-LEHRGÄNGE DER 4

and the Battle of Vittorio Veneto (October - November 1918)

5 mm ribbon with a 16

Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) Hold and is marked STERLING on(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. Multi piece construction, in bronze gilt with red and white enamels, bronze hallmarked and maker marked "WILM. KUNZ WIEN X" (Wilhelm Kunz, Vienna) on the ring, measuring 36 mm (w) x 58. 5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, the reverse centrepiece rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise, original triangular war ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine. In an unmatched but authentic