Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) GTRexclude the Order of the Star

the Order of the Star of Brabant Dame of the Honour Cross was awarded to three recipients: Marie Erbach-Schönberg (1914)

All are fine quality embroidery

The front center of the Shako also has a small

28 mm (w) x 34

Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) GTRexclude the Order of the Star(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