Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, IV. Class, c.1870 visually-hidden Machine embroidered eagle in grey

Machine embroidered eagle in grey threads on tan linen-twill cloth backing

68th Infantry Regiment Badge (two-piece construction

the outlines of the “cracks” on the forehead are shallow”

22 mm (w) x 25

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, IV. Class, c.1870 visually-hidden Machine embroidered eagle in grey(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted December 2nd, 1849. (1849 1875 issue). Constructed of silver with red enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enamelled arms, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a central monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of Viribus Unitis (United Forces), the reverse with a central medallion bearing the date of 1849, on a hollow swivel crown and swivel ring for suspension from its period