Austria, Imperial. A Sovereign Order Of The Knights Of Malta, Gold Merit Cross, C.1916 Auction Archive The other side features three

The other side features three signatures and a few words of gratitude

the cross features a stamped gilded tombak circular wreath impressed with oak leaves

1939 upon the outbreak of the Second World War

The Select Embodied Militia contained some volunteers but consisted mainly of men drafted by ballot for a year's full-time service

with two hooks for uniform attachment

Austria, Imperial. A Sovereign Order Of The Knights Of Malta, Gold Merit Cross, C.1916 Auction Archive The other side features three(Souverner Malteseorden, Goldenes Verdienstkreuz). In bronze gilt, consisting of an Anchor Cross, the arms with pebbled borders, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a Maltese Cross circumscribed by an inscription of MIL. ORDO EQUITUM MELIT BENE MERENTI (MILITARY ORDER OF MERIT), the reverse with an analogous medallion bearing a date of 1916 inside of a laurel wreath, the twelve oclock arm with an integral loop accommodating a suspension ring