Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By F.braun, C.1870 Archive 238 (as indicated by these

238 (as indicated by these two magazines)

with a silver embroidered cord on all four sides of the tab

refusing first aid until he collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood

the son of Walter Charles Hitchcox and Mary Hitchcox

On the first page is a library affiliation card showing potentially a family crest

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By F.braun, C.1870 Archive 238 (as indicated by these(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. First Period (1849 1875). In silver with red enamels, maker marked "F. BRAUN IN WIEN" on the ring, measuring 30. 2 mm (w) x 33. 7 mm (h) inclusive of laterally pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the red enamels on the arm at 3 o'clock on the obverse, replacement triangular ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine.