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    Stuka f

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    Posts posted by Stuka f

    1. here is a rare unofficial medal, at least it is to me.

      It is a medal honoring king Léopold III, who came in a political storm after the choices he made during the war.

      The medal has the profil of the king on one side and on the back it says; 

      "sympathizers for the defense of the monarchy Antwerp".

      It is the first one I ever came by.

      Don't think the same medal was ever made in french, as that part of the country was (for a mojority) not in favor of the king's choices...and he's "come back".

      The medal was found in a house clearing among other medals and pin's of the original owner.

       

       

      RIMG1901.JPG

      RIMG1897 (2).JPG

      RIMG1898 (2).JPG

      RIMG1902 (2).JPG

      RIMG1896 (2).JPG

    2. Don't know how much trompetes they had a the caserne, it might well be "the " caserne trompete of the II/GR89 Mecklenburg....

      Has much as to say how trilled I am of getting it...

      I am cheking the track and trace site of the postal service every hour.... ?

       

      I got it from a contact in France and the story is that the grandparent  who took it home found it on the battle field during the war (WWI, that is !! ) ?

      Anyway the deal was made, but French ( sorry for all other French memebers here!!) can be so stubborn when it comes to payement by wiring or international postal services....

      So we tried many different solutions but covid regulations helped me a bit, in finally getting the guy to send it over and to accept a different way of payment, then a check!

       

      I am using his pictures 

      20211113 (1).jpg

      20211110 (1).jpg

      20211112 (1).jpg

    3. The story of th medal can be found here;

      Antwerp -x- medal 

      Translated; 

      Together with the decision to place the memorial plaque on the Rubenslei, an investigation was also ordered into a commemorative medal "Ter Ere van Antwerp X".
      The order for this went to art sculptor Arthur Dupon who had to design and deliver “The medals, the bronze casting of the model, as well as the molds that remain the property of the City” before the end of August 1945. From 9 July, approving articles appeared in the Antwerp press with an image of his plaster model.

      The 55cm large plaque was presented to the moved Armstrong on September 4, 1945, the first anniversary of the liberation, however relative it may have turned out in retrospect.
      Mayor Huysmans presented them to him in front of the City Hall, where he himself had just received the War Cross that had been awarded to Antwerp.
      "Gene. Armstrong, greeted with an endless ovation, finds some short simple clear words to thank the “friends from Antwerp” for their sympathy.
      “When we saw how brave you stood in the danger,” he says, “we felt proud to be working with you. Your determination has been an example to us.”
      (The People's Gazette)

      In addition to the large one, 50 medals of 9 cm were also made, 20 of which were presented to the commanders of Antwerp X.
      All medals bore the text “Antverpia mutilata sed grata Brig. cl. H. Armstrong sociisque” and the 20 medals for soldiers were also provided with their name, degree and unit at the time of Antwerp X at the back. and they especially praised the attitude of the citizens.
      “Compared to the men, women and children of Antwerp who, with such admirable courage and faith, endured the worst scourge that can strike a city, I am actually not worthy of the medal you sent me. But she will always occupy a place of high honor in my home, as she is a tribute to a very gallant people.”
      Harold P. Hennessy, Chief of Staff Antwerp X, 2.2.1946.

    4. I have allways been in antiques in general, and cleaning up houses for a living.

      I cleared Indian cap's in the late eighties, it took me two months. 

      And it was only a 15 minutes drive. 

      But there was much and it was heavy.

      Everything was stacked in a ware house in Merksem at the time I did that job. And father Van Koetsem was no longer.

      I still got quiet some die's.

    5. Thank you all, for the input.

       

      I was aware of the De Lombaert PDF, maybe I should read it again. 

       

      However it isn't ...let's say; "complete",.... to me, based on what I know and what I was told ....

      For instance; Indian Caps or Van Koetsem (same compagny, from Antwerp) isn't mentioned any where .

      And this compagny  had for over the 50.000 die's (coming from most of the mentioned makers!) to strike medals, buttons and insignas. Even 19 th century helmet crests and sword ornaments. In a huge factory in the center of Antwerp....!

       

      I also had the last (active) Beerts ( not mentioned too!) descendant as a neighbour, when I lived in the center of Antwerp.

       

      To Jef; I also used the lockdown to  spend some time on my buttons.

      Not only the Fonson buttons.

      It can be seen on;

      https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/uniform-buttons-world/variety-belgian-regimental-buttons-their-maker-761770/

      No intention  to promote WRF! If not allowed feel free to erase the link.

       

      I posted it also on a French militaria forum and can poste it here as well, if wanted.

       

      About the "De Lombaert PDF " pdf ; Elimex; a compagny that used to work in Brussels around 1910, isn' mentioned eighter...

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