Stogieman

Thanks for posting up the document set. I think the scans I was searching for were from an older computer that crashed. I lost much of my archives about 5 years back.

I'm really thrilled for you. Rick mentioned this one to me awhile back. I suspect with the publishing of so many new rolls that a number of formerly anonymous bars will be named!

Peter's Juncker Pilot Badge is quite original. The seller has been piece-mealing a very nicer Imperial collection out for about 6 months. Never more than a few pieces. 90% good, from what I've seen. He's sold a number of aviation badges, a Meybauer Imperial Tank Badge and some of the nicest EK 1's to come out on the US Market in a number of years. Literally good enough stuff where it's worth waiting for the truly exceptional... that's not to say his "run of the mill" is bad, but why buy good stuff, when you can buy great stuff?!! I agree with Mike, there were a couple of hard to read ones, but even at that, he still has several authentic aviation badges that were quite real with no takers even below "market" prices....

A boxed example:

These are very well made. The original as a set is quite hard to find and very impressive with the miniature, the box and the rather large (A-4) document.

The badge does not appear consistent with Juncker or Meybauer examples of a private-purchase badge. The mis-struck reverse is not consistent with either maker. Noe is the pin/hinge block.

Ribbon after the Italian Order of The Crown, in last place???

A Picture of the back would help... However. Is the 1870 in steel? Tough to tell from your image. In reality, both medals have the potential to be correct. The WW1 "widow's" cross is actually a "survivor's" cross that would have been awarded to both, either parent(s) or surviving children.

I agree with Bob. There's so many of the Mongolian pieces, including later ones, that are just drop-dead gorgeous. I think the real reason interest waned so quickly after the publication of Dr. Battashug's book is the fact that the "speculators" rushed in, drove prices through the roof and forced many budding collectors (like me) out as fast as we went in. When the pieces you like and/or want hit 4 digits and up in about 60 days, there's not much enthusiasm left. I think we're seeing the same situation with Soviet. Investor/speculators drove prices through the roof but we do appear to have hit the ceiling. I look at many websites every week and I'm not seeing movement of any type.... the stock just sits there week after week. Occassionally, pieces are removed and mysteriously re-appear six months later. For me, I read and review everything posted. I still very much enjoy these pieces but simply cannot afford to even consider them as an area of anything other than pure academic study. For that, I am very grateful for this forum/website and the tireless efforts of many of you that keep me reading here constantly.

I saw this one in Germany, I chuckled too!

Up-close & personal:

Distinci?n "23 de Agosto" Good scans, front & back:

Yes, very nice, very scarce and a great bar to a brave Sargeant

Hi Paul, what was placed on the Luftschutz ribbon? Any shadow(s)? My only concern would be very rare device in worn condition, but the bar itself is in exceptionally good condition. Not impossible, but does give me a "hmmmm" moment.

This example of the Command Pilot Wing just sold on eBay USA for $113.00. There was no maker mark to the reverse.

I think this is a recent attempt to copy a style of badges that was made by Zimbler between 1919 and 1925... I was waiting to comment so I could show examples of the piece(s)/style I am referencing. I am having connectivity issues at the moment due to a construction project and having difficulty sifting through my reference photos from my badges. More as soon as I can dig up the images. Bottom line, this one's a copy, IMO.

Reverse!

Because stuff like this really does show up!!

I thought the interesting part was surfing some of the other pages.... there's some nice pieces, seldom seen, or discussed, under the other countries.

Now THIS is a rather interesting thread! Thanks to all!

Hmmmm, I had neglected to consider the PCO2..... Thanks!

Personally, I cannot see an RAO3, without a PCO. Never mind with the bow. The medal looks enlisted, the RAO3mS says "Officer", of some type to me...

OK Boils & Germs, Quiz time!! Is it a Good Bar, or a bad? Why??

More:

Despite the not so good images, this is a nice view of period enamel work. Once you get accustomed to viewing original work, you'll rarely get caught with the lesser quality of post 1920 workmanship...