The Oak Leaves and Swords were subsequently edited into the photo
measuring 13 mm x 14 mm
a five shillings duty stamp on blue paper with a tin strip is glued on the left side two thirds down the page
ten inset synthetic red stones forming an arch over the insignia
with handwritten inscription “AN MEINEM ARM 1914-1918
Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Cross, I Class Cross With Iii Class War Decoration, By A. Reitterer, C.1930 GTRexclude The Oak Leaves and SwordsInstituted October 24, 1849. In silver, a white and red enamelled cross pattee, the center medallion with the gilt inscription VER DIENST (For Merit), sections of a gilt wreath in each quadrant of the arms denotes III Class war decoration, the reverse presents a single vertica pin marked AR denoting manufacture by Anton Reitterer, and 935 silver mark, measures 61. 10mm (w) x 60. 80mm (h), weighs 74. 7 grams, enamels intact, oxidation to silver on