Austria (Imperial): The Military Merit Cross. Knight's Cross. With 'Swords' emblem on military riband. Silver and enamel

The Military Merit Cross was established on October 22, 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, based on the recommendation of Field Marshal Count Radetzky. It was to be awarded to officers who had performed especially praiseworthy service before the enemy in wartime, or outstanding service in peacetime, and was originally established in only one class - later extended to three classes from 1914The medal is suspended from its original silk Austrian 'tri-fold' riband complete with fittingsEnamel is all intactCondition: About EF