Austria, Empire. A Cross Of Merit, Third Class, C.1916 certificate_of_authenticity Maximilian I modified the statutes

Maximilian I modified the statutes of the Order for the last time on April 10

was taken on strength at Shorncliffe

measuring 53 mm x 40 mm

with large sun-burst backing plate (40mm)

the pommel bearing a large cherry blossom on the end with leafing on the sides

Austria, Empire. A Cross Of Merit, Third Class, C.1916 certificate_of_authenticity Maximilian I modified the statutes(Verdienstkreuz III. Klasse). Issued 1914 1918. A hollow bronze gilt Latin cross with rounded edges, with red enameled arms on the obverse and reverse; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion, inscribed FJ (Franz Josef) in capital gilt lettering, surrounded by a gilt ring, and an ornately decorated white ring of enamels; the reverse with a similar white enameled medallion, dated 1849 in gilt numbers, surrounded by a narrow gilt ring, and a