The original grades were Grand Cross
the descendants of Scots who had emigrated from the Duke of Argyll's estates
had already been busy
flanked on either side by large facses
Baden Robert Porter's son
Austria, Imperial. A Military Merit Medal, Silver Medal, By Rothe, C.1917 Auction The original grades were Grand(Signum Laudis). Instituted March 12, 1890. Franz Joseph (1890 1917). A silver medal, the obverse presenting the right facing bust of Franz Joseph, the reverse inscribed SIGNVM LAVDIS surrounded by a laurel and oak leaf wreath, the medal is surmounted by a crown, measures 31. 5mm (w) x 52mm (h inclusive of cross adorned integral ring on crown), weighs 23. 9 grams (including ribbon), worn on original ribbon, edge knocks visible, lovely patina, very