Description
AUSTRIA – SERVICE MEDAL – ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE
It is a simply gorgeous example of Austria’s Bronzene Militär Verdienst Medaille mit Schwerten (Bronze Military Service Medal with Swords). The order was first introduced in 1890 by Austrian Kaiser Franz Josef. It was originally intended for officers. In 1916, also under the Austrian Kaiser’s direction, swords were added to the decoration for wartime service.
The medal measures 1 ¼” in diameter.
Its obverse features a high-relief likeness of Franz Josef in profile. Information about the Kaiser circles the decoration’s outer edge.
Its reverse proclaims “Signum Laudis” (Seal/Battle Standard of Glory/Merit/Approval).
An orange and white tri-fold Austrian ribbon bearing a pair of gold-toned, crossed swords is attached to an articulated crown. In turn, the crown is connected to the medal.
The decoration’s red presentation case has its name embossed on its outer lid.
The case measures ¾” x 2 ½” x 4 ½,” and features the rounded lower edge indicative of Austrian cases.
The case’s interior reveals a white silk upper lid with its manufacturer’s name embossed on it in gold as listed below.
Zimbler, Wein VII
K.u.K Hof-
lieferant
Burggasse 33
Zimbler was one of the Austrian Kaiser’s House Jewelers (Rothe Neffe was another leading purveyor). Zimbler’s work was among the Austrian Empire’s finest. The case’s bottom half is covered in black velvet that has been elevated and fitted to properly display the decoration.
This is a mint presentation of a rare decoration.
This is a consignment item.
