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Oval gilt bronze medal with original ribbed loop and suspension ring for ribbon suspension; the face with a central white enamel escutcheon bearing a gilt-edged red enamel Greek (Geneva) cross supported by two angels, a radiant five-pointed star above, inscribed ‘PATRIAE AC HUMANITATE’ (Fatherland and Humanity) below, within a circular green and red enamel oak and laurel wreath signifying a wartime issue; the reverse with the dates ‘1864’ and ‘1914’ surrounded by an oak and laurel wreath border; some cracking and an old repair to the white enamel; on original trifold ribbon; in original fitted embossed pasteboard case of issue, slight surface rubbing to the upper left. The Austrian Red Cross was founded in 1864 and the merit awards were created to mark the 50th anniversary. This cross was awarded from 1914 to 1919.
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