Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross "1849", I Class In Gold, By V.mayer, C.1900 United Republic of The Order of the Golden

The Order of the Golden Fleece was established on January 10

1905 in Orebro

1937 - Silvered die-stamped metal

a branch of the family was elevated to Princes of the Holy Rolam Empire by Empress Maria Theresa

Crossguard is silvered bronze

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross "1849", I Class In Gold, By V.mayer, C.1900 United Republic of The Order of the Golden(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. Type II (1875 1913). In Gold with red and white enamels, weighing 14. 6 grams, hallmarked with a goat's head flanked by a "3" on the left and an "A" (Vienna) on the right, and maker marked "V. MAYER & SHNE IN WIEN" on the ring, measuring 35. 5 mm (w) x 55. 5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, tiny scuff mark in the white enamels on the reverse centrepiece, very light contact overall, original triangular