Note the lack of maker's initials on the shoulder of the emperor's bust - this mark was always found on official issue medals. However, there would appear to be a maker's mark on the reverse ('S.G.A.'). Typically this would have been worn on the tunic, while the original would have been treasured in its box.

This is the third grade of precious metal gallantry awards of the old Austrian army. The first was a large medal in gold, followed by a large one in silver, this one being the third class, a smaller one in silver. It has the name of the artist (Tautenhayn) under the right shoulder of the emperor (Franz Joseph).

This is the small (3.30cm diameter) KuK bravery medal with Kaiser Franz Joseph's bust on the obverse and 'Der Tapferkeit' on the reverse. Apart from the ribbon being that for the wound medal, it is almost certainly a contemporary tailor's copy, as it lacks the designer's name, which should be under the bust.

HvK (1854-1924) was the Austro-Hungarian Empire's final, entirely ceremonial, Commander-in-Chief. This plaque commemorates his successful occupation of Serbia, serving under the Prussian General Mackensen, in 1916. HvK served on all fronts, being promoted to Field Marshal in August 1917, after Cernowitz.

Struck in bronze with a Latin logo ('Sapientiae Studii Viennensis') surrounding an image of a queen in a Renaissance window. The reverse has the logo 'Zur // Erinnerung // An das // Kriegsjahr // 1914', all above a laurel wreath.

The award was given for combat gallantry and the German inscription on the reverse reads 'for bravery'. These copies were made for the soldier to wear on his uniform for everyday use, while keeping the best one for special occasions.

On 29 November 1915, bars were authorised for 2nd, 3rd and 4th awards of the same class of the medal. This was awarded to NCOs and men for bravery in action and was instituted as a medal in 1789 as the Tapferkeitsmedaille. There were several sizes of both silver and gold awards for varying degrees of courage.

Instituted in 1890 for outstanding services in war and peace, this medal used the red and white horizontally striped ribbon of the Medal for Bravery (as in this case) when awarded in wartime to officers, or a plain red ribbon for non-military persons of rank. In peacetime, the plain red ribbon was used in all cases.

Instituted on 13 December 1916 for award to all service personnel who had seen at least 12 months' field service before the enemy and who had participated in at least one battle, this is medal is struck in zinc. The Latin motto, Vitam et Sanguinem, means 'With life and blood'.

This medal (4cm) commemorates Baron Trenk (mid-18th century), who commanded the Pandurs in the time of Empress Maria Theresa in all the wars against Frederick the Great. Trenk was eventually dismissed by her on suspicion of having taken a massive bribe from Frederick to release him when Trenk had effectively captured him.