Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, IV. Class, c.1870 Hold ” and “RZM 35” for

” and “RZM 35” for “Ferdinand Hoffstätter

Commandants of WAAS

constructed of multiple pieces of dark brown leather secured together with rows of heavy stitching

1st Class Cross with Swords (bronze gilt and enamels)

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross “1849”, IV. Class, c.1870 Hold ” and “RZM 35” for(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