Austrian Red Cross decoration with laurel wreath, 1864–1914 reverse
Key Information:
• Country: Austria
• Award: Honour Decoration of the Austrian Red Cross
• Class: II Class
• Type: With War Decoration (laurel wreath)
• Period: WWI era
• Dimensions approx.: 47.69 x 36.78 mm
• Replacement triangular ribbon with snap fastening
• Suspension held internally by shaped wire support
Medal Design:
• Obverse: White enameled cross with red enamel arms and central red cross medallion
• Circular inscription: “PATRIA AC HUMANITATI”
– Translation: “For the Fatherland and Humanity”
• Green enameled laurel wreath (War Decoration) surrounding the cross
• Reverse: Central medallion with dates 1864 – 1914 within red enamel ring
Condition:
• Enamel chip in central obverse medallion at approx. 7 o’clock
• Minor enamel wear and age-related handling marks
• Some surface wear and light patina to metal
• Ribbon is a later replacement
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Austrian Honour Decoration of the Red Cross was awarded for distinguished humanitarian service.
The II Class with War Decoration (laurel wreath) denotes wartime merit, particularly associated with the WWI period. The 1864–1914 reverse commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Convention.
A desirable WWI-era Austrian decoration combining humanitarian and wartime service recognition.