Item description
Militärverdienstkreuz – Military Merit Cross. Instituted 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was to be awarded to officers for war merit on battlefield or for outstanding service in peacetime. 1860 the War Decoration (Krigesdekoration) as a laurel wreath was created. After the begining of Word War two higher classes were instituted, so the previous Military Merit Cross became the 3rd Class. Since 1916 all classes of the MVK could to be awarded with swords for a particular bravery.
Here a cross with green enameled War Decoration, manufacturers mark: V.M. (V. Mayer’s Söhne, Wien), additional control stamp “A” (Hauptmünzamt Wien) on the loop.
Silver with intact enamel, very good condition, on original old ribbon with swords.
