Austria – Silver Cross of Merit with Crown

Description

The cross was instituted on 16 February 1850 (1849 being the year of Emperor Franz Joseph’s ascent of the throne) in four grades – Gold with and without Crown and Silver with and without Crown. To be awarded for true and lasting devotion to the monarch and the fatherland, also for long and useful activity in public service and for other services for the common good.

The central silver medallion with stippled ground bearing the initials “FJ” for Emperor Franz Joseph I (1848-1916) within a ring inscribed “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (Strength through Unity), the reverse with a smaller circular central medallion with stippled ground bearing the date “1849”, on replaced correct trifold red ribbon.

Ring marked with manufacturers hallmark stamp; V. Mayer’s Söhne