Claudius

I commiserate with you and offer my condolences as well. This is an obvious example of a collector who DOESN’T see any value in keeping a group together and many others that do. You were willing to pay way over the price to keep it together. Sort of reminds me of the story in the bible. The Wisdom of Solomon when the one woman would give up her baby rather than have it killed and split between the two mothers. Not that I recommend somehow selling this guy the rest of the group in an attempt to keep it together. This guy would just sell off the pieces he didn't want

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Greetings; Here is a medal bar I picked up not too long ago. I have acquired an interest in Schwarzburg and I have been looking for a medal bar with the WWI Schawrzburg War Merit medal along with the 1905 Schwarzburg Sondershausen Jubilee Medal. This medal bar has the bonus of the Centennial medal along with the Hindenburg. Hope you like. All comments are welcome.

non-combatant? However, I really like the ribbon bar with the crescent device. Thank you for posting it.

Here it is. It is a great little bar. I hope you enjoy it. I almost forgot -from right to left; EK2 Braunschweig War Service Cross HK Sweden: Vasa Order -Knights class Sweden: Gustaf V Medal for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics Romania: Order of Cultural Merit for Sports and Scouting

The medal bar is in and I will be posting photos soon.

...still waiting on its arrival.

@Chuck -My opinion comes from the observations I’ve had when truly rare items are in auctions. I’m always fascinated when a knowledgeable and experienced auction house sets a bid minimum and then the hammer price is 3x, 5x or even 10x that opening bid. (I just witnessed that in a recent auction, but that is another story.) Whether you feel this is too valuable to keep is -and always was -your decision. I do know that if you ever feel that way about other Russian pilot groups you have I know someone who could help you there. PS: Understand what you mean about family interest in the collection. Mine too.

That is an great piece of Swedish history! Are you going to look for a ribbon for it? What does it look like?

And with the case! I would imagine that the case only increases the desirability. From the rarity and the lack of recent auction comparisons, this sounds like an example were even the most gifted auction estimate could be short when two, or more, determined bidders go for it.

That will be awesome I have a list of 1912 German functionaries, judges, team leaders, Olympic committee members with 53 names on it! There is likely to be move than one match, but this cross-checking will reduce the candidates. I will post them when the medal bar arrives.

bad luck to discuss something until it arrives. But I’m reminded of a quote that seem to fit…. “I'll chase him round Good Hope, and round the Horn, and round the Norway Maelstrom, and round perdition's flames before I give him up."

Nice one Christer! A great cross with period ribbon. And I like the pin on the back too.

Bravo on the identification.

dibs on the fliegertruppen and Tsingtau.

nice kitty...

You've failed to disappoint so far, so my congratulations and awe are sent in advance.

Great photo and ribbon bar! Thanks for showing it and the background information. Now, all you need to do is find a miniature "Houlu" clasp. Shouldn't be too hard.... Actually, don't be dismayed. If you keep checking the dealers and don't give up, one may pop up. Good hunting!

REALLY NICE! I can see why this is one of your favorites. Thank you for showing it Dete! On the ribbon bar, what is #11?

EK2, EK1, Hamburg Hanseatic Cross, and then the rest of it gets pretty blurry, but likely the HK and maybe the Flower medals?

I've bothered my brother, a Mechanical Engineer (and non-collector) about this and he informs me that if action is taken, there are two options; the low tech way and the high tech way. The low tech way (but slightly invasive) is using WD-40. It will clean and protect the surface. But as we all know it will coat the surface and remove all patina. The high tech way is using a product from Cortec. They produce a huge range of corrosion protection products for a variety of surfaces. The applications are just as varied. This small item would be best served with one of their Films. To quote: "the films range from general use polyethylene to shrink wrap, stretchable and reinforced constructions. All films have excellent clarity." My brother has tested these products and says they work well and leave no coating behind on the metal. http://www.cortecvci.com/Publications/Brochures/Military/MilCorr%20Broch.pdf But I have no idea where an outsider can buy these products. Contact the company for a retailer?