Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross "1849", I Class In Gold, By V.mayer, C.1900 Buy Now After the abolishment of the

After the abolishment of the monarchy and the foundation of the Italian Republic in 1946

surmounted by an raised eagle

USN stamped “STERLING” on reverse

This unique and unit-attributed example is in an overall very fine condition

the dome with the paint intact

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross "1849", I Class In Gold, By V.mayer, C.1900 Buy Now After the abolishment of the(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