Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) Hold presumably because no picture of

presumably because no picture of Hauser in uniform with the award exists as he received it so close to the end of the war

France on July 27

violet felt recessed medal bed

52 mm (w) x 69

Austria, Empire. Merit Cross 1849, I Class Gold Cross With Crown, Third Period (1914-1918) Hold presumably because no picture of(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