Claudius

seefliegerabzeichen

After a long gestation I am finally able to present this wonderful Seefliegerabzeichen. It is a "800" stamped piece with the excellent obverse details and patina you would expect. But it is the reverse that is really special. This badge is engraved to Otto Hess. He flew with the famous Naval Marine Ace, Frederick Christensen. I will post more details about his career later, but for now here are the photos.

Nice group! The West Wall medal is nice little gong on the end. Are there any maker marks on the BVO4x?

Well, I think it's clear that he has the Centennial Medal in the front. Followed by several gongs and the second last is the Danzig Cross 2k and a Sudetenland medal on the end. The grouping and order makes perfect sense...

"I only limp with my tongue and stutter with my leg. Nature never quite finished me."

Wonderful display. But I have to argue with you over the description of "little" US collection

I concur with that list and I would add that the last ribbon is very likely the Long Service award due to the Luftwaffe eagle clasp in it.

Don't be afraid of hurting that document. You're here to help. It wants to return to its previous shape.

Hello Tony; I think it's looking great. You're almost there! I few more strokes with the warm iron to both sides and it will be flat as cold-rolled steel. Now that I see the document you're working on, I believe this technique is very appropriate and you obviously have made a good start. The most delicate part is over. Just make sure the crease parts get the moisture, before you iron them flat. Then remove the moisture when it's back into position. If I may ask, you weren't using that red towel for the flattening process? You want to use something closer to linen. Like the material in a 100% cotton dress shirt. No lint. Several pieces. Some moist, some dry. And keep the iron moving. Don't let it rest in one spot too long. OK, I'll stop preaching now.

The damp cloth and ironing method I describe is really to raise the humidity of the piece so that the delicate fibers in the paper can be unfolded. When returned to the flat position, then a dry cloth and iron are used gently to remove the humidity so that the water in the fibers won't mold or breakdown the fibers. http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/56823-light-document-restoration-work/ Otherwise, I would recommend a professional that show previous examples. And ask them how they are going to do it. You might find that it is essentially the same process, just they have humidity controlled chambers, irons that were never used on clothing and a lot more patience.

Sounds like an outstanding group to an Airship crewman, with a connection to a historically relevant raid over England.

That's a nice historical item. How did you know it belonged to Steinmann? Is there additional documentation or did you get it direct from the family?

These are all great looking docs for their own reasons. I like them all! Thanks for posting them.

Tack

Sorry for these ignorant questions: Is the Swedish Order of the Sword always awarded with crossed swords? Even for non-military service? Or is it when you have an Order of the Swords, there are going to be swords on the Order. Or is it because he was a military attaché and not just a civilian attaché that he would get a Order of the Sword with swords.

OK, now this is getting really exciting. If these did belong to the Dutch bar you have in another thread (BTW: nice bar!) It would be great to find his name on the 1936 Olympics list of equestrian judges. Is there a list of the 1936 Dutch Olympic Committee judges? Your guy should be there.

The combatant Reuss medal has always given me a special enjoyment. It's not the only medal that can be awarded hanging below free-swinging crossed swords, but this award, with the striking ribbon colors seems to really do it with a unique panache. (ok, that's enough gushing...) I keep looking at the ose on this Reuss. Not the one from the medal to the swords, but from the swords to the ring that attaches to the medal bar. The lighting is dim, but it looks like this isn't the original. It looks like two small rings were welded to the swords? Maybe a period repair. Not too surprising because how much stress is on a small little area. Maybe the medal bar tailor had to fix that when he assembled the bar. It's not detracting and perhaps you can negotiate a slightly lower price for the damaged/repaired area. In either event, make sure you can return it if, upon personal examination the whole assembly looks faked or the Reuss is inexcusable. It still looks like a nice bar.

I think it look GREAT! Were you concerned? The photos can reveal only so much. Is there something that you would like to point out?

Great little group. I always like these pilots/observers from the smaller states. Thanks for showing it Roman.

"Boring"? I'll have to do something about that. I can't get to now, but come January I will see if I can add something.

Great photo and family history. Thanks for sharing it.

Nice pick-up Chris. Really neat to see early dates to some of his awards. He did well until April 1918 when his luck ran out. He might have been one of ten remaining, but he wasn't unscathed -Black VW on 29.4.18.

It's a coin. Part of a series of Duke of Wellington's continental victories. There were several of coins from each of his victories in Europe. If legitimate, this piece was not only holed, but was gilded for wear as a medal.

Chris, what is the ETA on the item?