Austro-Hungarians

[Tim B.]

I thought I might add some information to the pieces I have shown above, so those that are not familiar with Austrian awards might get more out of the thread.

Tim


The Silver Bravery Medal 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Class (Silberne Tapferkeitsmedaille 2. Klasse):<O</O
<O</O

Created in 1848, it is the smaller (30 mm dia.) medal and awarded for deeds in the face of the enemy. As such, you should never see crossed swords on the suspension ribbon, as this was strictly a bravery award and swords on the ribbon were considered unnecessary.
<O</O

There was also a 1<SUP>st</SUP> Class (larger @ 40 mm) silver medal and in 1915, a bronze medal was established due to the large amount of award demands for such a large and lasting war. The bronze medal was also 30 mm in diameter.
<O</O

Additionally in 1915, an edict defined multiple awards of the same bravery medal. Repeated awards were identified by a white metal bar, sometimes in actual silver, that was added to the suspension ribbon. A maximum of three bars, signifying four awards, could be authorized.
<O</O

From 1789-1917, these bravery awards were only for soldiers, NCOs and ensigns. In 1917, Emperor Charles (Karl) established a Golden Bravery Medal, and extended the award of the 1<SUP>st</SUP> Class Silver Bravery Medal to officers. You can usually see these with the Royal “K” cipher on the ribbon.
<O</O

The Golden and Silver Bravery Medals also came with a monetary stipend to all awardees!!

[Tim B.]

The Military Merit Medal (Militärverdienstmedaillen):<O</O
<O</O

Also known as the "Signum Laudis" medal, these were decorations ONLY for officers.

The bronze Signum Laudis was given from 1890 to 1918.
The silver Signum Laudis from 1911 to 1918.

There were two different medal types, one showing Emperor Franz Josef (1890-1916) and the other showing Emperor Charles (Karl) (1917/18).

Prior to 1890, officers only received a document of recognition but this was made into an actual medal after 1890. Then in 1911, the silver merit medal was created for a second award.

There are two types of ribbons found on these; Peacetime awards have a red tri-fold ribbon; Wartime awards have the typical "kriegsband" ribbon as do all bravery medals, military merit crosses, merit crosses, iron merit crosses, etc. Wartime ribbon bars can look confusing, as the ribbons are all identical.

In April 1916, a decision was made for multiple awards of the silver Military Merit Medal. It had a maximum of three awards and these pieces would have silver bars attached to the suspension ribbon (two silver bars max, denoting three actual awards). ONLY the silver medal should have these bars as if you received a second award, it was automatically the silver version of the merit medal to be awarded. There was no 2nd award at the bronze level.

In December 1916, the swords device was introduced for decorations awarded for frontline service. If the member was awarded a subsequent award and had swords authorized, we should see the swords mounted on the silver bar instead of the ribbon directly.

<O</OOn the bars, the wartime merit medals rank before the peacetime awards. I/e: Military Merit Cross IIIrd class, Silver Merit medal, Bronze Merit medal, Bronze Merit medal on red (civil) ribbon, etc.<O</O

[Tim B.]

The Karl Troop Cross (Karl Truppenkreuz):<O</O
<O</O

Instituted in December 1916 and awarded to all ranks of the Austrian-Hungarian Army who had been assigned with a combat unit for at least 12 weeks and actually served at the front.
<O</O

Made in zinc and often maker marked on one of the cross arm edges.
<O</O

The obverse reads: “ A grateful prince and country, Karl, Emperor and King”

The reverse reads: “With life and blood” and the date of “1916”

This one is marked on the cross arm: HMA - Hauptmünzamt Wien

[Tim B.]

The Crown Jubilee Cross of 1908:<O</O
<O</O

There were a few different Jubilee Crosses instituted between August - December 1908 when Kaiser Franz Joseph I celebrated his 60<SUP>th</SUP> Crown Jubilee. The medal was awarded to honor all manner of service to the Kaiser and country.
<O</O

Made of gold plated brass. Several varieties can be found due to multiple firms that produced these over several years. Two main variants are normally seen and this one is the first style. The other version has an engraved line along the edges of the cross arms.
<O</O

This particular version is the Jubilee Cross for military personnel (Militär-Jubiläumskreuz), instituted on the 10<SUP>th</SUP> of August 1908 and basically awarded to all members of the armed forces. There were prerequisites of minimum service times and engagements during the previous war and there were some minor additions later to include some reserve force officers.
<O</O

The military version had the typical tri-fold ribbon, but was white with red stripes on the edges, where the civil versions wore a plain red ribbon, and court servant’s versions wore a red ribbon with white stripes on the edges. If a person qualified for more than one, the higher cross was the one awarded. The military version was considered the highest of the three.

[Tim B.]

The Austrian Long-Service Award (Militärverdienstzeichen):

<O</O
Established on 19 September 1849 by Franz Joseph I and encompasses several different medals, both for officers an enlisted personnel. The medals and service times changed considerably over the years and I won’t get into all that here.<O</O

This example is an 1890-1918 version of the 3rd Class Service Cross for officers. It is for 25 years service.
<O</O
I have heard it's one of the private purchase versions with the mother of pearl reverse. Quite nice in details and very lightweight compared to many other awards.

Based on the ribbon attachment using the "hook & eye" vice hook and grommet, I am told this is probably earlier in the time period for these examples.

<O</O

Here's a close-up of the eagle. You can find these medals in several variations and are in two sizes. This one is an example with the smaller eagle. Larger eagle versions slightly overlap the medal's center section.

Beautiful mother of pearl reverse! I was told by another collector that this was one way the wearer countered the staining effects from the medal on the dress white uniform.

[Don D.]

Another small contribution.

[MauserKar98k]

Some very nice medals being show off in this great thread.

As a general rule, Austrian awards aren't my cup of tea, but there are some of them that I find every nice looking. Plus, Iron Crosses look pretty nice on that triangle ribbon.

[RonR]

Karl Truppenkreuz of 1916.........


..................

[RonR]

War Cross For Civil Merit....4th Class..........


...............

[RonR]

Hms

[RonR]

Unity pin?...........


.............

[RonR]

And medal?


............

[Ammersee]

. As such, you should never see crossed swords on the suspension ribbon, as this was strictly a bravery award and swords on the ribbon were considered unnecessary

You are saying that someone added the swords to this medal at a later date...a collector? If incorrect, I guess I'll remove them. It looks like the ribbon on your small bravery medal has holes in it like it had swords at one time as well. Gary

[RonR]

A bit of a change of pace temporarily from the medals.

Here are a couple of what I believe to be cartouche emblems, but perhaps hat emblems.

Please help in identification.

First, for size comparison............


........................

[RonR]

Number 22


................