Austria : Post WW1 Austrian Republic Heimwehr Medal of Merit (Heimwehr-Ehrenzeichen).

Bronze medal in the form of an eagle with eyelet and ring attached to a pin-back ribbon The obverse has an Austrian steel helmet and crossed swords on the eagle's breast and on the reverse the date 'II 1934' (February 1934). The wing-tip is stamped 'H. GNAD' (for Hans Gnad of Vienna).
The medal, popularly known as the Starhembergvogel, was awarded to members of the Heimwehr (Austrian Home Defence Force) who distinguished themselves in the suppression of the Socialist & Communist uprising in Vienna in February 1934. It derives its name from the commander of the Heimwehr Ernst Rüdiger, Fürst (Prince) von Starhemberg (1899-1956), The Heimwehr was a right-wing paramilitary force that emerged from the chaos of World War I and played a significant part in Austrian politics until dissolved in 1936.
Excellent condition.

Code: 52268