Stogieman

I'll clarify for a second...... I didn't mean that they never received it... only that it was not awarded as frequently. An award that managed to maintain it's prestige throughout WW1... Multiple, repeated acts of bravery were required...... or shoot down a few planes, that always helped!

Did you say "Dr. Weasel"??? HHOX was still an extremely prestigious award during WW1. The typical Prussian precedence regs were there... must have EK2/EK1 to receive it. Just as it was the final stepping stone for achieving a PLM. I don't think it was a "given" that it was even on the table for most of the Jr. officers. Here's a selection of bravery bars from Saxony. Assuredly some officers in here, but no HHOX!

There's a single silber Liaket Medal on eBay-USA in WW1 German Category. It has the original ribbon and a saber/battle bar. ~$150 current bid.

Hi Paul, a beautiful bar, but I don't think any of the published literature/lists will help you on this one.... Diplomats were not in the ranklists (I believe).... If Rick Research cannot nail this down, I cannot imagine anyone else being able to....

Reverse of the "issue" piece. Have his document as well.... very impressive compared to this thing!

....... and finally, my cheesy "issue" piece that went to a WW1 pilot:

Liaket Medals will run anywhere from $75-$150 (loose) depending on buyer, seller, time of day. I've seen a couple go in excess of a $100(USD) recently. The Imtiaz, if you can find one, will se t you back substantially more. Here's an image of a cased one I have never been able to replace. One of my true "errors" in parting with it.

So that's what the second document was. My lousy work monitor and I couldn't read the S-M document! I agree, under-rated. David, your 3X bar is especially nice in that your SMEM is in bronze... so much better than the nasty late-war zink pieces!

Yep, there's just no comparison (thankfully) to the quality, craftsmanship, skill and materials used on Imperial German & Austrian Awards. An art form long lost it would seem.

Interesting that he kept a "pure Prussian" mounting, with even the combat awards from other states mounted at the back of the bar! Very nice one!

It does always seem to be shame when these get chipped up just from being mounted over the years. A common occurance with bars, unfortunately. It doesn't detract from the beauty and appreciation for me though! Nice Bar!

Hmmmm, I think we may have "butted heads" on this one Christophe! ;>)

Christophe.. it looks like the medals were never even mounted on the bar! Are there hooks tucked underneath the wrapped ribbons? Should be easy enough to get originals to restore it. The only real question would be what went on the Austrian "war" ribbon?? Any evidence of medals having been sewn-in once upon a time?

Hi Ralph, nice cross, killer photos. The BMVO4wKX is quite hard to find!

Just doesn't seem fair, does it? Survive the war and if your lucky, you get an EK2

Yep, both bars are very nice!

Don't know either! But the photo, it looked blue on the edges. I think your case is fine.

Christophe, your Juncker Case looks blue.... they should be black??

Very nice veteran's piece. One I have not seen before! You'll be making my buddy Mike from California drool over this one!!

And the issue badge. Note the common features shared by both types. The issue badge is actually maker marked to Juncker. The PP badge bears only the crescent moon and 800 silber marks

And the reverse... first the private-purchase piece

OK! Previous one was a Private-Purchase Badge, most certainly by Juncker. Here's a nice scan of the issue badge, as distributed in 1918 only!

Time to revisit this. let's see if we can add some bigger photos!

Hi Mike, When I look at these, I always assumed that the plate/pin like that was because it was repaired. If not, that's cool. But note that the two crosses are basicly identical other than the 2 features I mentioned previously. Now, with yours, there's 3 with the same looking catch, but only two with similar hinge barrel and pin. But comparing your cross to the ones Christophe culled from the web.... I see huge differences in the edges and openings???? So, do we have 3 makers, one maker? Or something else? I have nothing but photos to work from here. I've never been able to find anything other than the 2. kl. cross myself.

Without seeing the fronts, I see #7 & #8 as same maker, different repairs on each hinge. Note the cut-outs and the catch. The only visible difference is the length of the hinge barrel and the pin. The rest looks the same to me? PS: Mike! Welcome aboard!