Austria, Imperial. A War Merit Cross In Gold, By Vincent Mayer’s Sohne, C. 1918 United Republic of photocopied version of Howard F

photocopied version of Howard F

Tunisia and Egypt

the obverse depicting a steel helmet superimposed onto a showel and pick-axed

exhibiting wear on the front between the middle and lower bands

the document exhibiting tearing

Austria, Imperial. A War Merit Cross In Gold, By Vincent Mayer’s Sohne, C. 1918 United Republic of photocopied version of Howard F(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Etui). Instituted December 2, 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph. An 18kt Gold (tested) cross pattee with red enamelled arms, the center obverse presenting a FJ on a white enamel field within a Gold border, surrounded by the inscription VIRIBUS UNITIS (Strength Through Unity), the reverse presents 1849 in Gold on a white enamel field, in a Gold lightly pebbled border, surmounted by a delicate crown, measures 35. 63mm (w) x 55.