Austria, Empire. An Order of Franz Josef in Gold, Miniature, by Vinc Mayer, c. 1900 visually-hidden he completed around half-a-dozen operational

he completed around half-a-dozen operational sorties before being embarked in Ark Royal for Malta that May

it was a rare occurrence to find a pilot fit for more than three months continuous work

oxidation on one reverse

245 mm (circumference at widest point)

Austria, Empire. An Order of Franz Josef in Gold, Miniature, by Vinc Mayer, c. 1900 visually-hidden he completed around half-a-dozen operationalIn 18k Gold, with red enamel, superimposed on black enameled two headed eagle, surmounted by crown, obverse centerpiece has initials FJ, reverse inscription of the year 1849, 30 mm (h) x 18 mm (w),3. 36 grams, enamels intact, Gold hallmarked on ring and maker marked VM, extremely fine condition. Footnote: The Imperial Austrian Order of Franz Joseph was an Order founded by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria on December 2, 1849, on the first anniversary