Austria, Imperial. A War Cross for Civil Merits, III Class, Cased, By Rudolf Souval visually-hidden The helmet is crafted of

The helmet is crafted of a sheet of molybdenum steel (magnetic)

5mm (w) x 39mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension bar)

of very early manufacture likely dating back to the founding of the order

Richard Robert and Kathleen Ellen

On both occasions the medals were awarded in both gold and silver grades

Austria, Imperial. A War Cross for Civil Merits, III Class, Cased, By Rudolf Souval visually-hidden The helmet is crafted of(Merito Civili Tempore Belli). Instituted in 1915. In silver, cross in white enamel with silver border, obverse centrepiece shows monogram FJI for Franz Joseph I surrounded by the inscription Merito Civili Tempore Belli, vertical pinback, 45. 6 mm, very fine condition. In case of issue, with detached hinge, fine. Footnote: The War Cross for Civil Merits was a civil award instituted on 16 August, 1915 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was awarded from 1915