Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, Iv Class, By V. Mayers’ Sohne certificate_of_authenticity As a military officer

As a military officer

There followed a long and bitter war for independence that ended only in 1991

the blade better than very fine

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marked on the ring “Pat

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, Iv Class, By V. Mayers’ Sohne certificate_of_authenticity As a military officer(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted on 2 December 1849. Type II. (1875 1914 Issue). A cross constructed of silver, with red enamelled arms, the obverse centre presents a silver medallion inscribed FJ for FRANZ JOSEPH, surrounded by a broad silver ring, bearing the inscription VIRIBUS UNITIS (STAND UNITED), the reverse centre presents a similar medallion, presenting the date 1849, maker marked on loop with V. MAYERS SOHNE IN WIEN, hallmarked with an Austrian