Austria, I Republic. A Military Merit Cross I Class, By Anton Reitterer, C.1935 Newly Listed on loop for ribbon suspension

on loop for ribbon suspension

vertical needle-style pin with a barrel hinge and a slightly flattened wire catch

According to Cares’ family

Two are black and white

This insignia was introduced in 1907 and worn throughout WWI

Austria, I Republic. A Military Merit Cross I Class, By Anton Reitterer, C.1935 Newly Listed on loop for ribbon suspension(Militrverdienstkreuz I Klasse). Instituted 22 October 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. (1849 1918 issue; ca. 1935 reissue). Constructed of silver with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse with finely detailed red and white enameled arms, with a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised gilt inscription of VERDIENST (MERIT), within a red enameled ring, with a gilt laurel wreath set through the quadrants, the reverse