History

This Order was conferred upon foreign and national citizens that have provided meritorious services to the Republic of Austria.

In 1934 the title of this Order was changed to the Order of Merit of Austria.

The Order was abolished in 1938, when Austria was annexed by Germany.

The Small grades were worn as a less formal version of the full-sized awards.

These grades were also known as Kleine Dekorationen or Small Orders. They adopted the form of the Knight Cross with associated ribbon decorations.

The Small I Class Commander Cross (without star) is a red enamel Knight Cross with a ribbon featuring a miniature red enamel I Class Commander Cross.