Militärverdienstkreuz.
Instituted 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was to be awarded to
officers for war merit on battlefield or for outstanding service in
peacetime. 1860 the War Decoration (Krigesdekoration) as a laurel wreath
was created. After the begining of Word War two higher classes were
instituted, so the previous Military Merit Cross became the 3rd Class.
On the loop marked with silver content mark (Diane head) and manufacturers mark BA for Bachruch, Budapest. In original case of the same maker.
