Austria, Imperial. An Early Military Merit Cross, c.1860 Archive 1903 as the 97th Regiment

1903 as the 97th Regiment (Algonquin Rifles)

measuring 88 mm x 103 mm

a Prussian 25-Year Long Service Cross

all demonstrating slight to moderate material fatigue with signs of wartime wear

that has since been lost to time

Austria, Imperial. An Early Military Merit Cross, c.1860 Archive 1903 as the 97th RegimentInstituted October 24, 1849. Type I. (Civil Division). An early and well constructed cross, in silver and red enamels, the obverse medallion featuring the inscription VER DIENST, the reverse is of white enamels, measures 29. 87 mm (w) x 34. 18 mm (h), weighs 13. 46 grams inclusive of ribbon, worn on a thick original double barrel suspension loop and trifold ribbon, very minor enamel wear to the reverse, dark patina, extremely fine.