A beautifully preserved gilded bronze and enameled medal. The ring bears the maker’s mark: “WILH. KUNZ WIEN X,” with a bronze hallmark “*”. Wilhelm Kunz is one of the rarer makers of this award.
The medal features the motto “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“Strength through Unity”). The Cross of Merit was instituted on February 16, 1850 (Emperor Franz Joseph ascended the throne in 1849) and was issued in four classes: Gold with and without Crown, Silver with and without Crown. It was awarded for true and lasting devotion to the monarch and the fatherland, as well as for long and useful public service.
This example is mounted on a wartime ribbon with crossed swords, indicating a military issue. A rare collector’s item for enthusiasts of imperial Austrian awards.