Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Cross Of Merit With Crown, By Wilhelm Kunz Archive all boys of ages 12–21

all boys of ages 12–21 were required to take part in levente

Branch of the Adjutant General

by Major James E

solid back construction

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Cross Of Merit With Crown, By Wilhelm Kunz Archive all boys of ages 12–21(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1850 1918 issue). Civil Division. Constructed of gilded bronze with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enamelled arms, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a central gilt monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of VIRIBUS UNITIS (UNITED FORCES), the reverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a gilt