Austria, Imperial. A Military Long Service Decoration, I Class for Officers, c.1865 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac With Bender & Cie label

With Bender & Cie label

oval shaped gilt zink

mounted for display

or “FAITHFUL TO THE PRINCE TO SERVE THE FATHERLAND”)

Austria, Imperial. A Military Long Service Decoration, I Class for Officers, c.1865 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac With Bender & Cie labelInstituted September 19, 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph. Type I (1849 1865). In bronze gilt and silvered bronze, a cross featuring a central double headed eagle with a singular surmounting crown, reverse features a full mother of pearl backing, measures 35. 5 mm (w) x 39. 3 mm (h), weighs 11. 1 grams, inclusive of original trifold yellow and black ribbon, wear to finish, remains very fine. Contained in original case of issue, burgundy pebbled exterior,