Austria (Empire): Iron Merit Cross with 'Crown' 1916-1918. Zinc

In German 'Eisernes Verdienstkreuz am Kriegsband'Instituted in 1916 in two grades - with and without crown (all crosses were dated 1916 regardless of year of issue) for wear with the 'War Riband'. Very early issues from 1916, were issued in iron but the metal was later changed to zinc from post 1916The medal is suspended from a silk Austrian tri-fold riband with fittingsCondition: GVF