Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 Hold For exceptional skill and valuable

For exceptional skill and valuable work in the taking of aeroplane photographs

marked with an unknown maker mark and marked "STERLING" on the reverse

Manuals are fair to good/fine

the medallions are representative of the Second Empire

Austria, Imperial. An 1849 Merit Cross, in Gold, c.1880 Hold For exceptional skill and valuable(Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit Krone). Instituted 16 February 1850. (1850 1918 issue). Military Division. Constructed of 18K Gold with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross with red enamelled arms, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a central monogram of Franz Joseph I, circumscribed by an inscription of VIRIBUS UNITIS (UNITED FORCES), the reverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a gilt date of 1849, on