Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By Wilm. Kunz, C.1916 Auction Archive with the 5th Battalion

with the 5th Battalion

An early nickel SS Enlisted Man's/Non-Commissioned Officer's Belt buckle by "O & C ges

the spine with four brown-painted magnetic metal eyelets through which is looped a silver-grey threaded cord

engraved "JAMES JEROME" in capitals on the reverse

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By Wilm. Kunz, C.1916 Auction Archive with the 5th Battalion(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. Third Period (1914 1918). In silver with red enamels, marked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) hallmark, which was used between 1872 and 1922, with "1" to the left of the head and assay city marked "A" (Vienna) to the right of the head, maker marked "WK" and maker marked "WILM. KUNZ WIEN X" (Wilhelm Kunz, Vienna) on the ring, measuring 36 mm (w) x 58. 3 mm (w) inclusive of its crown and laterally pierced ball