Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden in heavy copper wash bronze

in heavy copper wash bronze

centrepiece dented and slightly askew

the nickel-plated throat stamped with the number "36"

The 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles landed in France in September 1915

and the wireless set and intercommunication destroyed

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden in heavy copper wash bronze(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