Österreich-Ungarn Militär-Verdienstmedaille in Silber

In an excellent condition an Austro-Hungarian silver military service award. Ribbon: Tapferkeitsband Frontside: Franciscus ios i d g imp avst rex boh etc et rex apost hung (Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia etc. Apostolic King of Hungary). Buste of Emperor Franz Joseph I with laurel wreath. Emperor crown above. Backside: Laurel and Oakleave wreath. Signum Laudis. Background info: The award underwent several changes to the statutes and was most recently awarded as follows: Major Military Merit Medal (Gold) Military Merit Medal in Silver Military Merit Medal (Bronze) On March 26, 1911, the Military Merit Medal in Silver was introduced for the Emperor's 'recent highest commendatory recognition'. The Military Merit Medal was awarded in peacetime on a solid crimson red ribbon. During the war, the medal was awarded on the ponceau red and white striped ribbon of the Medal of Bravery (which was also used for the Military Cross of Merit). Persons who took part directly in a battle and distinguished themselves by 'brave behavior in the face of the enemy' received the ribbon with crossed swords. If the Military Merit Medal was awarded several times, this was indicated by attaching one or a second clasp, the so-called 'repeat clasp', to the ribbon.