Austria, Imperial. A War Merit Cross In Gold, By Vincent Mayer’s Sohne, C. 1918 Auction holding the two black pillows

holding the two black pillows bearing the medals

exterior lid presents an outline of a sword and DURCH NOT UND TOD 1914

maker marked “H&C

3 of Saturday

on a replacement ribbon

Austria, Imperial. A War Merit Cross In Gold, By Vincent Mayer’s Sohne, C. 1918 Auction holding the two black pillows(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Etui). Instituted December 2, 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph. An 18kt Gold (tested) cross pattee with red enamelled arms, the center obverse presenting a FJ on a white enamel field within a Gold border, surrounded by the inscription VIRIBUS UNITIS (Strength Through Unity), the reverse presents 1849 in Gold on a white enamel field, in a Gold lightly pebbled border, surmounted by a delicate crown, measures 35. 63mm (w) x 55.