Austria, Imperial. A Sovereign Order Of The Knights Of Malta, Gold Merit Cross Archive The handle presents with a

The handle presents with a black lacquered ribbed grip

74 second class and 1

On July 21st

1944 and reverted to the rank of Private at his own request three days later

Austria, Imperial. A Sovereign Order Of The Knights Of Malta, Gold Merit Cross Archive The handle presents with a(Souverner Malteseorden Goldenes Verdienskreuz). A Gold Merit Cross constructed of silver gilt, presenting as a Maria Theresa Cross with partially ribbed arms, central medallion with a Maltese Cross circumscribed by MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT. BENE MERENTI (WELL MERITING THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA), reverse with central medallion with raised date of 1916 within wreath, on loop for suspension from its period original war ribbon, unmarked,