Stogieman

Well that's a sad story and one that is unfortunately repeated all too often in the collecting world.

Reverse, Scharffenberg used a heavily marked center similar to Gl?ser on the reverse...... but only on the silver-gilt pieces

Here's the Scharffenberg Officer's Cross in Silver Gilt

Nice scans of some of the earlier medals.

Nice ribbon bar....... an old-school soldier who fought in WW1 too!

Well that was about the most stupid exchange I've heard in awhile....... what an idiot she (he?) is......

Hi Ed, I leave the finer translation points to you and the Good Doctor... perhaps some language lessons this summer?!!

Interesting that the republics paralelled the Soviets with these simple designations for govt. members. it's too bad there's no accessible data base to figure out who's who. Perhaps these records will come available as well someday? Beautiful badges. It seems they really did a nice job on these as well as for attendees of the Party Congress gatherings.

Interesting that such an auspicious occassion warranted this simple little badge....

Who the heck were the Mongolians fighting in 1964?? Or is this more along the lines of the Soviet Military Merit Medal?

So my best guess would be a total sham here... I just don't think the detail and crispness of this medal, especially the reverse, is consistent with an original. At best, a terribly worn, terribly messed with piece. As my cousin in France would say... "Not in my collection"

Hi Andreas, thanks for posting your examples. So there actually is two variations... I still think the color of the first one I posted to be aturn-off... If I wanted to get one, I'd hold out for a 1930's from a good source I think!

But.... would he have not been required to show his Urkunde for the 25-Year LSC in order to purchase one? I thought you were not allowed to purchase medals/awards you were not entitled to??

The Association document is fantastic... I've only seen a couple of those over the years... even less than the original award documents!

I think the thing that is really crucial with these Bavarian Bravery Medals (of either grade) is that one had to commit relatively insane acts of bravery to receive one.... they were not handed out lightly. And the recipients received much honor at home for this award and a great deal of respect. The other thing to remember is this was a strictly "Other Ranks" award and the highest Bavaria could recognize an individual act with. A cherished and honored thing it should be.

The 1866 on an original ribbon is quite a nice find... Pre-1900, you'll find a substantial number of German awards on tri-folded ribbon mounts. A fashion statement perhaps.... very prevalent amongst Saxons pre-1900 with even some minor carry-over into WW1.

Hi Daniel, seems quite plausible and I have no clue, hence the quiz. Seemed far-fetched to have the combat decoration and nothing associated for a campaign.... but it's starting to sound more & more possible..... ach, but the price!

Now I know why the bell was ringing! Knew I had seen this piece, knew we had discussed it over at WAF, but couldn't remember why!?. Getting old is for the birds.

Hi Dan, not mine... it's in Germany. I did not remember having seen it anywhere before and probably because I really don't look at post-WW2 stuff unless it's in an associated group of stuff. Thanks Rick, Thanks Dan, Thanks Doc. Not something I'll be chasing!

OK, double-checked in Nimmergut's.. Change was 1895... so I suppose it's possible.......

Fabulous piece Ed....... very beautiful.

Hi Biber, I'm thinking that it's just a very crude copy of an EK2. I think every single patriotic piece I have seen pre-1918 was way beyond this in quality and materials. I cannot imagine a German would 'cut corners" at funeral time.......

I think it's really a shame that a very scarce and interesting book has been trashed here. Bummer.

OK, thought about this........ isn't that eagle very similer to an RLB Eagle.... holding the sword like that??

Greg....... what's the deal with that copper-colored "25" box? It's ringing a bell and I honestly cannot remember why.