Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) GTRexclude accompanied by a small book

accompanied by a small book of regulations

beautifully textured exterior

and Order of the Red Star

Accompanied by a Photograph of a Tank Operator in his Tank (in black and white

suffering from "Orichitis" (inflammation of one or both of the testicles

Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) GTRexclude accompanied by a small book(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