Austria, Imperial. A Merit Cross In Gold, Ii Class With Case, By V. Mayer’s Söhne Archive the panels sewn in place

the panels sewn in place via stitching at the front behind the cockade

The remaining two rivets accommodate a two-piece brown leather chinstrap

with dual crown suspension and period original tri-fold ribbon with clasp and magnetic metal hook and loop

when he enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps as a 2nd Class Air Mechanic on April 13

Austria, Imperial. A Merit Cross In Gold, Ii Class With Case, By V. Mayer’s Söhne Archive the panels sewn in place(Verdienstkreuz in Gold, II. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 2 February 1849. (1872 1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Ruppert Cross with a Gold frame and red enameled arms, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion with a Gold monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph, set within Gold ring, with the outer rim of the medallion bearing a gilt inscription of VIRIBUS UNITIS (WITH UNITED FORCES), the reverse with a