Venezuela, Air Force Cross 1st Class Set, includes neck badge, miniature, ribbon bar, and lapel pin. Hallmarked, in original case of issue.
The neck badge on ribbon. Silver gilt, enamel, hallmarked 925 (sterling silver) on the bottom arm of the cross on the reverse; 41.3 mm in height (excl. integrated suspension loop with wings), 41.4 mm in width. The height with the integrated suspension loop is 66.5 mm. The center medallion on the obverse has "FAV" (La Fuerza Aerea Venezolana, or Air Force of Venezuela) in gold. The reverse is silver gilt, with "10 de Diciembre de 1920", the date of foundation of Venezuelan Air Force in raised script on the center medallion. The ribbon is in green moiré silk with a buckle in yellow metal. Both the cross and the ribbon are in excellent condition. The 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock arms of the cross show a vertical line of imperfection to the enamel, most likely incurred during manufacturing. Both are barely visible to the naked eye, and only if you tilt the cross for these arms to reflect a light. The ribbon is exceptionally clean on both sides and free of any catches to the fabric or any other wear. The metal of the buckle shows spots of very light oxidation, not too intrusive to the eye or detractive.
The miniature cross. Silver gilt, 15.5 mm in height, 15.3 mm in width. The total height including the suspension with the winged pin attachment is 60.3 mm. All the components are in excellent condition, no wear noticeable with the naked eye.
The ribbon bar is 36 x 13 mm, features the miniature cross in the middle. The double pin attachment with Ballou Reg'd maker marked butterfly clasps is intact and fully functional. The ribbon of the bar is free of any wear or damage.
The lapel pin is 9.0 mm in diameter, and in pristine condition.
The issue case is in light wood laminated in textured green paper. The lid features the original name and class of the decoration, embossed in gold. The inside of the lid is lined with champagne-colored silk with the manufacturer's name in the center, in gold. The fitted pad on the bottom is covered in dark blue velvet. The silk lining of the lid shows mild discoloration, blending in tone with the color of the silk rather nicely, and not too detractive. All outer surfaces are in excellent condition, showing just one or two tiny spots of wear to the laminate at the edges. The hinge is strong and tight, and the clasp in front shows mild spots of oxidation but is in perfect working order.
The Air Force Cross was instituted in 1950, and is considered a prestigious military decoration awarded in recognition of distinguished service, courage and bravery within the Venezuelan Air Force. The cross is manufactured by Dinstinivos Venezulanos Fabricantes, a renowned maker of military decorations and insignia in Venezuela.
Item# 43402
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