Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden while the upper left also

while the upper left also features a reinforced horizontal slit

including a matching set of Gendarmerie Rottmeister shoulder boards

enamels and facsimile stones

In silvered tombac with black

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden while the upper left also(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