a frame below inscribed with the length of the railway tunnel "10248
engraved with an identification number of “VII B
flanked by a maker’s code of “M7/40” for the firm of Hartkopf & Co
The handle grip itself features raised oak leaf designs
but with enough remaining to positively identify this as a silver grade wound badge
Austria, First Republic. A Merit Order I Class Grand Cross, Special Grade, By Anton Reiterer, C.1934 GTRexclude a frame below inscribed with(sterreichischer Verdienstorden, Grokreuz). Instituted on September 29, 1934. (Issued 1934 1938). The grand cross sash badge consisting of a red enameled Seipels cross constructed of silver gilt, the obverse depicting a black enameled Austrian double headed eagle with a red white red enameled shield on its chest, suspended from a knurled ribbon suspension and a ring from its period original and full size sash ribbon, measuring 48. 54 mm (w) x 51. 58