Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, IV. Class, c.1870 Hold worn by civil pilots circa

worn by civil pilots circa 1945-1950

with sun rays between the quadrants of the cross

in bronze gilt with yellow enamels

perhaps to Anglicize his German surname

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, IV. Class, c.1870 Hold worn by civil pilots circa(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted December 2nd, 1849. (1849 1875 issue). Constructed of silver with red enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with red enamelled arms, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a central monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of Viribus Unitis (United Forces), the reverse with a central medallion bearing the date of 1849, on a hollow swivel crown and swivel ring for suspension from its period