Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden in heavy copper wash bronze

in heavy copper wash bronze

with MATCHING scabbard

the regiment as a whole did not see combat

and the wireless set and intercommunication destroyed

Accompanied by a Miniature group of Same: 1939-1945 Star (bronze

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden in heavy copper wash bronze(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1850 1918 issue). Military Division. Constructed of 18K Gold with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross with red enamelled arms, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a central monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of VIRIBUS UNITIS (UNITED FORCES), the reverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a gilt date of 1849, on