Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, I Class, By Wilhelm Kunz Archive and crossed swords between the

and crossed swords between the arms of the cross

wear to the bronzing and enamels

1993 but war broke out again from 1998 to 2000 and many issues remain unresolved

44 mm (w) x 48

with approximately 33 cm (13 inches) long nickel plated steel blade

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, I Class, By Wilhelm Kunz Archive and crossed swords between the(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted on 2 December 1849. Type III. (1914 1918 Issue). A cross constructed of gilded bronze, with red enamelled arms, the obverse centre presents a gilded medallion inscribed FJ for FRANZ JOSEPH, over a field of white enamel, surrounded by a gilt ring, and an ornately decorated white enamelled ring bearing the inscription VIRIBUS UNITIS (STAND UNITED), the reverse centre presents a similar medallion, presenting the date 1849,