Austria (Imperial): Military Merit Medal (Signum Laudis). Franz Joseph issue. Silver issue, on 'War Riband'. Issued pre-1916

In German 'Militärverdienstmedaille am Kriegsband mit Schwertern'The obverse features the bust of Emperor Franz Joseph, the reverse bears the inscription 'Signvm Lavdis'. The medal surmounted by a crown. The dimension of the award being 30.7mm (w) x 50.5mm (h)Mounted as-worn on a contemporary period silk 'War' ribandOriginally instituted in 1890, as a single class award, that could be awarded with 2 x different ribands pending whether it was a Wartime award (worn with the 'Bravery Medal riband), or Peacetime award (plain red riband was worn). The medal with Franz Joseph obverse was awarded between 1890-1916, and included awards for both the Boxer Rebellion in China and the early years of the Great WarOn December 13, 1916, the addition of a pair of gilt crossed swords on the ribbon was authorized to recognize a higher grade of wartime meritThe medal is suspended from a silk Austrian tri-fold riband complete with fittingsThis example with considerable character = a choice itemCondition: EF