Stogieman

It never ceases to amaze me........ thank God we have the Gub'mint to protect us from ourselves in this country. Instead of crucifying legitimite collectors, why are they not vaporizing the thiefs/fakers? IMO, this is the real crime of "stolen valor"..

Looks like 2 nice original bars to me to real combat soldiers

Still my favorite cased Luftwaffe Badge:

I don't think I've seen an authentic Glider Badge by this maker in years, if at all.

Paul, beautiful collection of bars! While not fancy, Riker Mounts really display these smaller pieces well.

Nice cross. The heavy/wide pin is so typical for this maker.

Hi Chris, Thanks for bringing this point home. Essential materials for sure!

Another fabulous bar........ You must show us your collection room some day Christophe!

Sigh.......... so many things that were once mine......

Nice to see so many Colonial pieces all in one thread. Where's Heiko when we need him!?

I'd have to say Richard's thoughts do make some sense. I would not want to be the person agonizing over this decision. I'm sure in the final analysis, you'll do what's right for you and your family and that is truly all that matters.

I have no problems with the cross, it looks right to me as does the engraving. The only thing I can suggest is somehow trying to match this name to a regimental history or service record to seal this up.

I don't see anything wrong with the 4kl.mX.... For certain a variation, but a real one IMO

Very nice little group Claudio. I would agree that the Reuss/Bayern connection to be rather rare! Especially nice (always, always, always is!) to get little groups like this that all match up together!

Note that Christophe's Bar has silver swords.... I'm thinking RK2wX, not RK1wX. Still pretty rare!

I'm not conviced that Buddecke's badge is enamel... that shiny spot could just be a reflection off silver. I've never been able to handle real ones of these. i've seen precious few (I would even consider real) over the years even come up for sale. i know you can buy them weekly on ebay and certain German Dealers always have one in stock.....

I'm thinking real goblet, fake plaque/inscription. Somebody will buy it. Just like all the Richtoffen "victory cups" that seem to routinely sell annually at US Auction Houses.

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the HK or the MP? Have these fallen out of favor? Used to be pretty reliable and accurate weapons. Or do we counter this with the rather high upkeep? I'd agree on the AK.... bury it in the mud for a month.. clean and clear it and it will still fire.

I'd have to agree. Mayer. Not the cleanest one I've ever seen, but pretty darn close!

hey Sal, I think we have another foto of this guy floating about in The Evil One's computer!!

John!!!!!! You found us! Welcome aboard!

Hallo Christophe, another wonderful photo and I would venture an extremely rare one!

As an aside......... there's a sticky at the top of Imperial with a listing of many of the commonly used/official abbreviations for Imperial Awards...

Dave Danner, welcome aboard!!!!!!!!!! Your knowledge and experience is most welcome here!

I'm not aware of any specific numbers available for the actual awards. I would estimate, given the very late institution of the badge, less than a 1000 actual awards. 99% of the private-purchase pieces are most likely post-war, with a very few by Juncker pre-1919 still bearing the Imperial Crescent Moon and 800 marks. But even that is just an educated guess. There's simply no available research material/data on this the rarest of the Imperial German flight badges.

Thanks Glen, Thanks Rick. The assistance is most appreciated!