Stogieman

Here's an image of the reverse. These were stripped off a uniform and found as shown. If somebody only found the top row, one would think "not a chance"....... I simply don't automatically start thinking "half a bar"... "The Evil Twin" is better at perceiving this than I.

As an aside........ these small sew-on, half-height bars seem to be a bizarre, but occurring "fashion statement"... here's another example of a 4X4 set I have available.

My esteemed colleague is suffering from Early-Stage Dementia...... he had all 4 of the Ruprecht Bars I had on his kitchen table........ There were a total of 4, 2 matched, the others were from different guys. A fifth bar was actually available from the original seller (Helmut Weitze) and I believe it matched the pr. shown above on my signature backdrop. I wasn't quite quick enough with the mouse to get them all.

Ladies & Gentleman, might I suggest that before the debate continues much further, we get some images of the examples in question., both accepted/controversial. I think it would encourage additional discussion. Can anyone cite an example of the controversial piece coming from anywhere other than a dealer? I have no horse in this race. However I am very interested in seeing this discussion carried through in a respectful manner.

I think we have two Austrian War Ribbons, then a Karl Truppe Kreuz, then (??), then Honor Cross

Agreed. I have seen precious few miniatures on ribbon bars of these medals themselves.

Claudio, is the cross actually marked with the "W" in the cylinder, or on the arm? I thought you said it was unmarked?? Or has the original seller simply assumed it to be a Wagner piece???

Stijn! Welcome to the forum!! I look forward to your sharing that remarkable collection of yours here!!!

Yes, beautiful badges. I would have expected Juncker-made ones to have a more delicate/refined appearance to the pin/catch though... more in lines with their WW2 era Imperial Sub Badges and their WW2 Auxiliary Cruiser ones??

The one boxed/cased HHORK I owned was a silver-gilt piece, not gold... never thought about that....

Andreas, could we please get a really good scan of that combination ribbon please? I believe this is the earliest example of this practice that we have seen!

so, he sees the error of his ways.... but it gets a big fat "oh well". What a loser.

I find the Bulgarian, Romanian, Hungarian and (gasp) even some of the Soviet awards to be pretty stunning. Once upon a time I had an extensive Austrian collection... but while the quality was top-notch, the variety was not. These other small countries seem to fill that void for me nicely!

Good points Joe. It seems there's much more personal variance and attempts to stretch the envelope of the regulations with Imperial stuff. Especially from about 1920 through 1934...

Well, for sure the suspension is totally wrong. Your pictures and photographs need to be smaller in KB size!

Marcus.... interesting! Where the heck did you find that packet!!??

Hi Chip, very iunteresting. I have not seen that variation before. Nice! Is there a name under the front edge of the crown on yours?

What a scam.... I should start selling electronic copies of pictures. Geez, if you get a dime apiece..... think of how much you could make

Thanks Wild Card and welcome to the forum!!

Hi Claudio, from the photograph, the cross looks fine and in excellent condition. I'd like to see a good clear photo of the back of the oakleaves, but more out of curiosity's sake... I don't see anything alarming to the front. I know this series has been heavily reproduced and there are very high quality repros out there. My "gut call" based on the photos shown however is that this one should be fine. In hand examination of all seams, the cylinder, etc. are always advisable to be positive of what any piece is/is not.

As an update, the group was at auction and sold to someone in the UK for $4500 and change. A bargain perhaps for some, but more than I was willing to lay out on a limb.

I have always accepted this variation as war-time production without ever hearing that story. The story makes sense, it's very difficult to find a Hohenzollern without swords. I've only seen a few and only owned one. Another little obscurity to keep an eye out for!

Hi Mike, nice mini-bar! very nice indeed. These miniature medal bars are not easy to find.

Thanks Ed, I could not remember who posted this little gem up that came from Andreas. I think "rare" does not even begin to describe these two gems!

Greetings Eric! welcome to the forum and thanks for adding your philosophy to this debate!