Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, Fourth Class With Swords, C.1914 Archive Charles V granted the Order

Charles V granted the Order the island of Malta and the Order settled here from 1530 to 1798 when Napoleon Bonaparte captured the island en route for Egypt

while in transit to the Philippine Islands

with a 42 mm long knurled pin

the Battalion was re-designated the 3rd Pioneer Battalion (48th Canadians) and served in France and Belgium with the 3rd Canadian Division

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, Fourth Class With Swords, C.1914 Archive Charles V granted the Order(Verdienstkreuz 1849 4. Klasse). Third Period Issued 1914 1918. A cross constructed of silvered bronze with red enameled arms; the obverse with a central silver medallion inscribed FJ for Franz Joseph, surrounded by a broad silver ring, inscribed VIRIBUS UNITIS (Latin Stand United); the reverse with a similar central silver medallion dated 1849; on a swivel crown and loop for suspension; the loop marked Wilhelm Kunz, Wien along with a star; suspended