Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By F.braun, C.1870 Hold with castle style crown and

with castle style crown and early ridge lined suspension ring

7x83mm (crown 33x30mm)

and the destruction of 61 villages southwest of Gomel

Onwards through the trenches

Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By F.braun, C.1870 Hold with castle style crown and(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. First Period (1849 1875). In silver with red enamels, maker marked "F. BRAUN IN WIEN" on the ring, measuring 30. 2 mm (w) x 33. 7 mm (h) inclusive of laterally pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the red enamels on the arm at 3 o'clock on the obverse, replacement triangular ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine.