Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) Hold the blue one in the

the blue one in the centre intact

He continued

52 mm (w) x 69

engraved "23

Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) Hold the blue one in the(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