Austria-Hungary Is this a full size MVK III?

[Naxos]

It looks small compared to a regular size EK2 (is this like Prinzengr?sse?)

Hardy

Edited June 15, 2007 by Naxos

[Ian]

Hardy,

It looks exactly right to me. Measurements should be: MVK Idisregard suspension arm and ring) overall is 31mm and the centeral medallion should be 12mm. Please note that over the years (1860-1918) there where trifling differences in the manufacture of the cross.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Ian

[Naxos]

Thank you Ian - your measurements match my MVK

All the Best, Hardy

[Elmar Lang]

Yes, it's a full-size Milit?rverdienstkreuz mit der Kriegsdekoration (Cross for Military Merit with War Decoration).

The decoration, instituted in 1849 (in one class) lasted until the fall of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918.

the first type was red enamelled only and made in one piece (variations exist!); in 1860, the Kriegsdekoration was instituted (the laurel wreath between the cross' arms, to let well-visible the difference between crosses awarded in time of peace or war); in the same period it was decided to add the white enamelled fields (the first pieces were "updated" 1849-type crosses) then, from 1867 they were hallmarked on the cross' loop (manufacturer's and silver content marks). In 1914, the decoration was divided in three classes and in 1916, the swords were also instituted:

1st Class: a large, pin-back decoration, with/without war decoration; with/without swords;

2nd Class: neck decoration, with/without war decoration; with/without swords (the repeated award of this class was represented with a green-enamelled laurel wreath as a link between the cross' loop and the ribbon ring)

3rd Class: breast decoration, suspended to the typical triangular ribbon; with/without war decoration; with/without swords.

The Milit?rverdienstkreuz was an important decoration to be awarded to officers only, for outstanding achievements in time of peace and war; the higher classes were reserved to high-ranking officers only.

Best wishes,

Enzo

Edited June 20, 2007 by Elmar Lang