Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 Province of China SK) Two-piece construction

SK)  Two-piece construction

A cross pattee constructed of gold

notable edge knock above “H

The solid nickel eagle fits perfectly and exhibits fine details

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 Province of China SK) Two-piece construction(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1850 1918 issue). Military Division. Constructed of 18K Gold with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross with red enamelled arms, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a central 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 date of 1849, on