Gilt-edged white enamel cross potent with loop and original decorative ring with a woven effect for ribbon suspension; the face and the reverse both plain; on original trifold ribbon; in original fitted embossed case of issue by Anton Reitterer of Vienna. The Order was instituted on 4 November 1922 as Austria’s premier military and civil award; it could also be awarded to non-Austrian citizens. It was abolished in 1938 when Austria was incorporated into Nazi Germany. Superb.
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