Stogieman

OK, I didn't bid....... anybody get these??

The docs for these are pretty hard to find Chris, I don't even have any archive photos!

Rick's last medal is (literally) "1889 Visit of Kaiser Wilhelm to Constantinople Medal"..... we know it exists and have seen a few photos, but try actually finding one!

OK, that makes way more sense...... big fancy building behind must be a museum??

Great photos fjcp! The color ones are from?? I especially leke the old B&W portrait!

...... so much for a "working-class" start... pretty fancy digs.

Collar Tabs were different. Until late last night, I thought pocket flaps were different as well, but I was corrected. As I have always said........ not a uni guy. (Can't remember everything, no matter how hard I try! ) ;>)

Rick's tied up right now with some business, please be patient with him. Thanks!

Well that's interesting, apparently I have used an inappropriate word. My apologies!

I understand completely Les and have often done the exact same thing....... this piece is bad.... but the rest of it is singing hymns...... I would have bought the entire group to get that one photograph. The badge is a ######, IMO. But I'd put it on eBay and laugh at the folks that are "smart"....... Yes, I'm getting a little jaded after watching too many "trophy PLM's" going off. I admit it. Part of the reason I need to take a break.

I'm not a uni guy. The opportunity presented itself, a rare and early uniform for NKVD. The Guru said "None better in years, buy it"........... and one month later, there you have it. Due to circumstances beyond my control, it can't stay... but I am enjoying it's brief interlude here!

Now, can you hum along......... "All together now...... All together now........."

And one more of the cap

More on the hat:

Pistol Holster & belt:

Nice view of the Cap

Breeches:

Shoulder "Eggs"

Stamped:

Details......

Tabs........ Hat Star

ca. 1938 if memory serves.

Almost forgot........ The Chairman is creating a paralel universe website where detailed studies, articles and research can be published for access by serious students of Military History. I know Rick Research's new & improved article on ribbon bars will be there. More as the situation develops. I invited Robert Pandis to publish his current work here, but since it's already available through Andreas' site.......

And I agree whole-heartedly with respects to some documentation that this type of badge would appear to be authentic. bearing that in mind, I am then forced to evaluate the badge with what I know about Zimbler. Wrong rivets, wrong mark. I take no pleasure in this in anyway. Having lost thousands once upon a time on these, I wave the flag loudly to try and keep others from making the same errors. So I'm eating crow, I can easily accept the badge as an authentic variation. My hope is that Les didn't pay a pile for the badge. If Les can accept the position that the badge isn't the one in the photo, it leaves him in an odd and curious position....... If it was me, no way I could return the group as we have proof-positive of the existance of the variation pre-1918......... but I'd sure be breathing down the neck of the guy/gal who sold it saying something about it......... But hey, that's me. I'm like that.

Les, take a deep breath The only thing I am saying and that I am quite sure of is: The badge in your hands is not the badge in the photo.