Austro-Hungarian WWI Military Merit Medal
Updated August 7, 2026
| Lot number | 1005760 |
| Category | Firearms & Militaria |
| Auction | The Bagale Collection, Session IV |
| Date | August 16, 2026 at 6:05 PM MDT |
| Auction house | 345 Auction |
| Location | Pueblo West, Colorado |
Dating to World War I, this Austro-Hungarian Signum Laudis (Military Merit Medal) features a circular bronze-gilt planchet topped by an intricate dual crown suspension structure. The obverse depicts the right-facing profile portrait of Emperor Karl I encircled by his imperial titles and signed by engraver Heinrich Kautsch, while the reverse displays a detailed laurel and oak wreath surrounding the central inscription "SIGNVM LAVDIS." Suspended from a classic red and white striped trifold ribbon fitted with a crossed swords device, the circular medal measures 1.2" in diameter and reaches a overall drop height of 1.9". Condition is well-preserved with clear surface details, light handling wear along the planchet edges, and minor spotting consistent with age. The original ribbon remains tightly folded with slight age toning, and the metal suspension hardware retains its functional ring connector. Complete with the crossed swords ribbon device denoting combat service, this Imperial award stands as a quintessential piece of World War I Austro-Hungarian militaria for medal collectors and historical displays.
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