Austria, Imperial. An Early Military Merit Cross, c.1860 Province of China in frosted silver with red

in frosted silver with red and blue enamels

The cuff of each sleeve features a vertical slit closing with two grey bakelite buttons meeting a reinforced hidden buttonhole for an adjustable fit

with material fatigue evident to both the rayon and canvas features

but is most noted for his later exploits as a panzer commander on the Eastern Front

A two-piece black cotton drawstring set into the waist functions as a belt

Austria, Imperial. An Early Military Merit Cross, c.1860 Province of China in frosted silver with redInstituted October 24, 1849. Type I. (Civil Division). An early and well constructed cross, in silver and red enamels, the obverse medallion featuring the inscription VER DIENST, the reverse is of white enamels, measures 29. 87 mm (w) x 34. 18 mm (h), weighs 13. 46 grams inclusive of ribbon, worn on a thick original double barrel suspension loop and trifold ribbon, very minor enamel wear to the reverse, dark patina, extremely fine.