Austria, Imperial. A War Merit Cross In Gold, By Vincent Mayer’s Sohne, C. 1918 Auction on a replacement ribbon

on a replacement ribbon

three bronze stars on WWIVM ribbon

left Lubeck on April 9

maker marked “H&C

Austria, Imperial. A War Merit Cross In Gold, By Vincent Mayer’s Sohne, C. 1918 Auction on a replacement ribbon(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Etui). Instituted December 2, 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph. An 18kt Gold (tested) cross pattee with red enamelled arms, the center obverse presenting a FJ on a white enamel field within a Gold border, surrounded by the inscription VIRIBUS UNITIS (Strength Through Unity), the reverse presents 1849 in Gold on a white enamel field, in a Gold lightly pebbled border, surmounted by a delicate crown, measures 35. 63mm (w) x 55.