Austria (Imperial): Military Merit Medal (Signum Laudis). Franz Joseph issue. Gilded Bronze (Bronze Gilt), on 'War Riband' with gilt 'Swords' Circa 1914-1916

In German 'Militärverdienstmedaille am Kriegsband mit Schwertern'

The obverse features the bust of Emperor Franz Joseph, the reverse bears the inscription 'Signvm Lavdis'. The medal surmounted by a crown. The dimension of the award being 30.7mm (w) x 50.5mm (h)

Mounted as-worn on a contemporary period silk 'War' riband

Originally instituted in 1890, as a single class award, that could be awarded with 2 x different ribands pending whether it was a Wartime award (worn with the 'Bravery Medal riband), or Peacetime award (plain red riband was worn). The medal with Franz Joseph obverse was awarded between 1890-1916, and included awards for both the Boxer Rebellion in China and the early years of the Great War

On December 13, 1916, the addition of a pair of gilt crossed swords on the ribbon was authorized to recognize a higher grade of wartime merit

The medal is suspended from a silk Austrian tri-fold riband complete with fittings

This example with considerable character

Condition: GVF

Code: 23890