Austria. A Merit Cross "1849", 3Rd Class, 2Nd Period (1875-1914) certificate_of_authenticity dated 1952

dated 1952

with most of the wreath gold wash intact

followed by a stint in self-contracting in the United States (1923 to 1927)

obverse centre presenting a Lilies Cross overlaid with a Latin Cross

Austria. A Merit Cross "1849", 3Rd Class, 2Nd Period (1875-1914) certificate_of_authenticity dated 1952Verdienstkreuz. Instituted in 1849. In silver with red enamels, marked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) hallmark, the head flanked by a "3" (silver fineness) on the left and marked with the assay city mark "A" (Vienna) on the right and maker marked "F. BRAUN IN WIEN" on the ring, measuring 36. 7 mm (w) x 52 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, extremely fine.