Stogieman

Nice bars David. I always enjoy seeing the Bulgarian awards in German Officer Groups!

Yeah, but the iron Crown we can find examples of...... I think you should carve that WK out and send it to me for evaluation...........

Looks like some type of artillery device.

Many of you have born witness to a crusade I have been on for many years now. The "Crown vs. No Crown" debate. When I was younger and a new collector, I amassed my first collection of "Imperial Aviation Badges" over the course of a few years. I was quite proud and naturally wished to insure my substantial investment against theft. The Insurer required a written evaluation/valuation from an accepted expert in the field from Germany. The collection was insured and shipped to Germany. Upon receipt of the collection, the German Expert asked me "what shall I do with this box of fake badges?" Subsequent evaluation by private collectors in Germany; older, respected and not interested in being in anyone's spotlight collectors; confirmed this crushing determination to me.... Every single badge was a "Crown Badge". I learned that in most family bequests to Germany's Museums the flight badges either bore no marks, or Juncker marks with NO crown, or Meybauer marks. I lost thousands of dollars. In that moment of realization, I made a promise I would do my best to make sure no-one else made the same errors I did. No-one else would lose what I lost financially. Since that date, I have campaigned (sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly) for what I felt was the truth. Other people, other dealers, other collectors often had a different truth. But The Truth is The Truth and it shall set you free. A few years back, Cmdr. Robert Pandis published an article in Military Trader regarding Imperial Flight Badges and their markings. His conclusion was different than mine. Many dealers felt vindicated. My God, there were sellers of these "Crown Badges" citing his article as proof-positive of the authenticity of their merchandise. Why on any given week, you could purchase a dozen of these badges at the drop of a hat.......... But Cmdr. Pandis continued his search. he left his article open-ended and encouraged debate and documentation to continue. A new article has been updated today on Andreas Schulz-Ising's website and the link was eMailed to me a few moments ago. Please take the time to review it. I think you will find it interesting to say the least. http://www.medalnet.net/pandis.htm I give a major "Thumbs-Up" to Robert's tireless and ceaseless efforts to seek the truth. the real truth. I know the hours of time he has spent on this body of work and have seen preliminary drafts of the full extent of this work which he will release in time. I commend him for his great personal expense in money, time and travel that he has expended with no thoughts to anything other than finding the truth. Cmdr. Pandis is an example to each and every one of us. Remember the first rule of collecting. "Know your subject"........... Robert, I am proud to know you and proud to have contributed in a small way in assisting you in this journey. Bravo!

Fabulous bar Andreas............... rare in the extreme!

Hi Christian, I wasn't thinking copy........ just curious as to the mixture of "early/late" styles. I think the workmanship is too good to be a copy.

well, yes, a mistake is always possible.......... but I assumed AOR1wX, SWWA1wX........... I wouldn't blink a bit even if 2. kl. Not too many of those around either. My biggest collecting error. Owning a 1.kl. w. swords and selling it.......... only one I've ever held. Bummer.

.....................and a smart, knowledgeable collector with seriously better than me study habits, a dedicated career soldier and all-around super guy who likes to make little dinosaurs out of C4 ;>) (still have that foto somewhere??) DANIEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice bar... an understatement actually. I think any acquisition of a mounted Reuss HO is a commendable feat!

Hi Andreas. That's possible, I won't be able to tell until it arrives. I was leaning towards reuss or Lippe though based on the side-view of the center...

Hi Christian... it is odd to think of this as "early" when the arms are pebbled as in the "late" style. What are the dimensions? never seen one like this before?

So, our man has: Sax-Ernestine House Order, Commander ??? Commander Grade Albert Order, Officer's Cross Prussian 1870 EK2 w. Jubilee Spange (1895) Saxon Saint Henry Medal (unknown grade at this point) Prussian Red Eagle Order, 3.kl. Prussian Order of The Crown, 3.kl. (?? 4.??) Saxon Officer's 25-Year LS Cross Prussian KDM 1870/71 w. 5 bars!!

Whilst i am really trying to get away from much of this, I still can't resist the occasional ultra-rare photograph... This Saxon J?ger Officer is wearing a St. Henry Medal (Other Ranks, 1870/71??) AND an Albert Order Officer's Cross! The photo dates ca. 1895-1896, due to the lack of Centennial Medal! Who is he?? Thanks!

I think the first piece (Claudio's) would prove to be by Godet, whereas Andreas' & Brian's are Wagner.........

and it just goes to show you..... it is good to know the wizard!

Great star Andreas! Joe, I was wondering when the onyx & silver EK2 would appear! Thanks for showing that one!

Interesting group. I don't see many Japanese groupings this complete!

Nah, no peeking...... just pretty good with cases!

The usual rules apply here... I would not buy one of these except from a known, reputable seller with iron-clad guaranty of originality. I've seen less than a dozen real ones....... ever. Of course you can buy pretty much near 3 dozen a week from the "usual suspects" ;>)

Andreas, since we clearly have a piece that is improperly mounted, what makes you think the cross itself is not a pre-1914 example? Thanks!

Hi Andreas, because it has gilt swords. The RK2wX on a ribbon bar will have silver swords.

Hi Chris, well, if the cross is lower that makes the argument for it being right stronger. I'm assuming these are clip-in style mounting clips tucked inside the ribbons?? I'm quite sure we would all LOVE to see that Danzig Kreuze 2. Klasse Bitte!

Aw, C'mon Marco, my Engleesh is not so good either. My German, French, Italian and Lithuanian is pretty ragged as well. Come out and play!! It will be good for all of us!!

PPS: It is wonderful to see you here. I hope all our members will take a long look at your website! It's one of the finest Imperial ones out there!

Beautiful piece Andreas! Will you be updating the information/link for Robert's updated badge article when he publishes it? I have read the advance copy.......... the world will be shattered for many people ;>)