Stogieman

Why?? Why the excitement? Well, The Merit Order, Merit Cross with Swords had a total of only 376 awards (one piece, with swords) between 1911-1918. The Albert Cross with Swords of the Albert Order had a total of only 1,392 awards (one piece with swords) between 1909-1918. The number of men who actually received BOTH of these very scarce awards is less than ~250 possible recipients. In addition, that's a Type II Long Service medal, which he received prior to 1913! Now that's what I call a rarity!

Yes Virginia....... there is a Santa Claus.

If you know what you're doing........... miracles can (and do) happen!

...... and, the absence of the whonkin'-huge swords bar doesn't necessarily equate to a peace-time award. Many men simply didn't mount the device due to the clumsiness/size.

Very impressive Ed!

Note that I only commented on the Lenin. Being a newbie I did not wish to comment on the book, or the Suvarov. I do like the Lenin.

Very nice Lenin...... very nice indeed!

Hi Paul, the photos are not of diagnostic quality. Having said that, based on the images shown these all look like poor, cast copies to me. (???????)

There are no restrictions on mentioning a dealer site, nor on links to a dealer's site here guys.

Very beautiful award Glen.. Interesting/detailed description by Igor. Another rare one I will have to simply enjoy the photos of!

And the fabulously rare medal itself..........

Interior:

Rumor has it I have a 20 Years Long Service of Giorgian Moop & Document. Ca. 1950's/60's But The (Truly) Evil Twin? refuses to delve in the box for a good showing... thus forcing me to open the Secret Archives........ Cover of the document that awarded his 15 & 20 Year Long Service:

I still like that one Don ;>) Talk about cheap medal bars!

And a very nice example it is. Rather hard to find the bar. never mind an engraved example such as this!

That's pretty funny.... 1813 EK with crown!?

I have a montage of correct marks I will place later tonight. The mark on this observer is wrong. Wrong (one-piece) tool used to make the mark. Wrong letters, wrong moon. Never mind all the things wrong with the badge itself....... this marking alone should instantly make you shun the badge...

It's a tiny silver plaque attached to the back of the wings.

I mean really......... you think a PRUSSIAN made these marks??

The real shame here is the case MIGHT be real, but it's holding an utter piece of gouvna:

........ right someplace unpleasant....... People are still selling these "original" badges....... go figure......

Reverse.. very soft, not stiff at all despite how thick it is. NO UV reactivity at all.

Here's the cloth one