Claudius

north of $1,400....to the right buyer.

It is trying to be an Imperial Russian jeton. But I think this one is a bit too crude to be fake. More likely a collector's copy.

mmmmm, not confident with this one. I don't like the eagles or the hallmark strikes on the back. But maybe its a variant I'm not familiar with. Someone else may have seen this before.

Good job! I love it when photo(s) of the gent can be found. This match was helped by the "writing on the wall" ?!... Metaphorically and literally you were going to put this photo group back together.

I think a bigger 'flag" is the Kyffhäuser and the HK on the bar at the same time. All the ribbons are uniformly dirty on the front with folds in the back that are all neat and orderly next to a clean and fresh looking felt.

Hello Constantine S; Welcome to GMIC. I'm sorry if this sounds blunt -but your piece looks very crude for either Imperial Russian or Masonic. And the tip of the star that connects the piece to the ose is very thin. I doesn't look like it would hold up under any strain. This piece might be what is called a "fantasy" medal. Made from assembling separate motifs into a single piece. But maybe someone else may have seen something like this and can comment further on it.

Cool! Really cool!

I think that is very logical. Congratulations on your research!

with the orange felt backing? @Tunneller: What is the printing on the felt backing?

Hello Moran James; Thanks for posting your medal and document. I look forward to seeing more of your collection!

Hello Hudavend; Sorry for the late response. I didn't realize that no one commented on your piece. Yes, the medal appears to be the Order of the Medjidie 5th class. However, in my opinion I think it is a fake.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36674451 ...posted here in case someone didn't see this.

Nice!

Um, yeah. Lets see the back side too. That will be helpful in identifying this creation.

Hello Ökenräven; As Chris said, welcome to Imperial German collecting! I copied your specific questions and have the temerity to answer them below. These are only MY opinions on the best way to proceed. Nearly every member on this site would have their own suggestions, but this may serve as a discussion starting point. So, this area is totally new for me and as I understand It's pretty wide so I'll start with focusing on Prussian and Saxon awards. What I need from you experts is: What literature should I buy before I get started? -"Aviation Awards of Imperial Germany an World War I and the Men Who Earned Them - Volume III - the Aviation Awards of Prussia" by O'Connor -"Aviation Awards of Imperial Germany an World War I and the Men Who Earned Them - Volume III - the Aviation Awards of Saxony" by O'Connor (The two above books appear to be only Aviation related, however there are great photos and descriptions of the leading WWI awards from these Kingdoms. -a copy of "Die Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Reiches" by Dr. von Hessenthal /Schreiber (this is the "bible" of German awards and medals. Mind you, I said copy, the originals are very expensive) -a current issue of "Deutsche Orden Und Ehrenzeichen 1800-1945" by Nimmergut (this will also have some color photos of the awards along with values. The values are not perfect as prices for medals can fluctuate, however it will give you an idea of award prices.) Are there as many copies on the market as the third reich militaria? If so how do I avoid them? -YES, there are fakes. It will take a long time to discuss all the ways to avoid them, but if I had to say in one sentence about how to avoid them I would say; "Buy from trustworthy dealers." Trustworthy dealers are ones that have been around for several years AND have repurchase guarantees if an item they sell turns out to be fake. Then I would appreciate if you guys could recomend some awards to get started with and some serious dealers from where I can get my first items. -There are several online dealers that consistently have quality items for sale, however I would not want to mention some of them and give you the illusion that these were the ONLY good dealers out there. A little searching through this forum and online and you will find some dealers. At first, I would avoid eBay...completely. I would suggest that with anything you find for sale that you post photos and price on this forum asking for opinions if the piece is good and if the price is reasonable. I think you will find that members here a very willing to give you reliable opinions and it will keep you from having "buyer's regret". Good hunting!

I could agree with this theory. Late in the war so much of the uniform has been streamlined and reduced to the minimum -by necessity and experience. There are so many war-time demands on materials (cloth) and time, why spend it on superfluous insignia to fill-in troops. I would also imagine, that had Germany ended the war successfully, they would have returned to the cuff-title.

Wow! What a story and what a nice gift. Even after death, Rick remains a kind and thoughtful person. And it appears that his behest was well placed. Alex, that was a generous donation to the public for the benefit of their edification.

The SMH Wolf was quite the surface Raider. She roamed out mid-war, laying mines and capturing ships before returning in 1918 with her seized goods. The onboard Friedrichshafen two-seater really contributed to her success and Remy was part of that success. Thanks for showing it here!

Ah, Malamute Company. They were expanding out of the Murmansk area, part of Syren Force under Major Gen. Maynard's command. Excellent! I would LOVE to see the uniform that was part of this group! Specifically I'm curious about his CEF North Russia unit patch. It should be a white star on a blue field.

???! Who was it? Where was the gentleman; Murmansk or Archangel? Any patches or insignia in the lot?

I think they are all phony. poor, poor copies

You're right. You don't often see this one mounted. Nice! The gentleman preferred to have the medal turned this way? Perhaps to show royal cyphers rather than the campaign dates?

Hmmm..stopped updating his medal bar around mid 1938. It is still a fine looking medal bar and at least we know that he also earned two additional awards.

Correct. That is what Paul is saying. I thought $500 was a minimum, but apparently the value on these has slumped.

This badge isn't common, but certain Imperial Russian badges are more desirable than others. Specifically, the enameled badges can expect higher prices. However, fakes are a problem. This badge, if legit, could be worth over 4,000 Kr.