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

worn by civil pilots circa 1945-1950

Commandants of WAAS

perhaps to Anglicize his German surname

very fine quality manufacture in silver gilt with white enamels

with sun rays between the quadrants of the cross

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