Stogieman

I think the nicest thing about the Hamburg HK is they are numerous, including the boxes. There's two distinct boxes, both bearing the "crest" of Hamburg on the lid in gilt. I had one of these once that was as the day it left the jeweler. Small format box, 4 different sized ribbons (Ribbon Bar, Miniature/lapel, 2 different medal bar sizes), the cross and a black safety pin. Every component neatly packaged in little envelopes. An amazing find. Will try to resurrect the photos.

A superb little cross, in real silver, with real gold centers. Last one actually awarded ~ca. 1901 for China. Swords were an "after the fact" authorization and the recipient had to go out and private purchase his swords, if he desired. After 1905, the design was officially changed to the commonly seen non-enameled versions for "other ranks".

These included:

Third Class, in copper plate

Second Class, in silver plate

First Class, in gold plate

Awarded for "military merit" on the statute ribbon as shown above between 1905 and 1913. This version is difficult to find (no swords). A crown suspension indicated subsequent award/higher degree of the same class.

From 1913 on, with the advent of WW2, military bravery awards were signified by the addition of (official) swords on the suspension fillagre. Again, crowns were utilized to show a higher degree/subsequent award of the same class. The statutes stated that only one class could be worn. Bavaria was somewhat of a stickler regarding this.... they required a return of the prior award before they would release the subsequent one! I believe RR actually has one of these "demand" documents in his collection.

Despite these rules, during the "anything goes" 1920's... bars can be found with 2 versions of the same class mounted. I would advise caution when presented with this as it seems there's quite a few bad ones floating about.

Cheers!

Perhaps my "Twin" can work his magic with the images of my Model 1866-1905 and post them for me??

I firmly believe that this is one of the most striking of all WW2 German Badges. One of my absolute favorites.

Outstanding gallery of badges presented! But, none "mit Einsatzzahl"??

It never ceases to amaze me just how rare some of these badges can be. I can count on my hands the number of these I've seen over the years.

Sigh, doesn't seem to want to accept my images?????

Here's a rare bird. The Military Merit Cross of The Military Merit Order. As awarded to "other ranks" between 1866 and 1905. Note the lack of flames between the arms! Silver, enamel and gold center schiffers. Stunning. Rare. Probably under 500 awarded... ever. Note the correct "statute ribbon" as proscribed prior to 1913 and the institution of the "War Ribbon". Swords were awarded to these after the fact and the recipient had to purchase them himself!

Here's the typical Bavarian issued badge. Again, stamped and silvered tin.

Pilot Badges! One real one for every 3-400 fakes floating around out there. There's two distinct styles from Germany. Prussian & Bavarian. Of the two styles, there's two types. Issue & Private Purchase.

Here's what the typical Prussian issued badge looks like. Stamped tin, plated with silver. These were unceremoniously handed out in a plain brown envelope. A little wider than the WW2 style packets many of us are familiar with. The packet held no title, no maker mark, nothing. Most were instantly tossed in the rubbish bin.

Contrary to popular belief, they were not handed out upon completion of flight school! They were awarded after completion of a prescribed number of missions.

Greetings All! I shall not be bashfull, Let's talk about what I like! Imperial Aviation of Germany & his Allies. A veritable minefield of fakes, trickery and false hopes. Why if Germany had as many Pilots as there are currently "wearer's copies" of PLM's floating around the internet, I think we'd all be speaking German right now! cheeky

I'd agree with Gordon here. Both Poellath and Froese packets were generics that your purchase was popped in at the time of sale. The Froese packets can get very interesting as you will occasionally see multiple awards written on the front. Last one I recall was EK1/EK2. Poellath still uses these generic packets today, although the printing/format is extremely different. they will occassionally pop-up with "period" (and yes, I am using the term facetiously) "pilot" badges......

Caveat emptor!

Nice EK's. I much prefer this type of S/B over the usual "ridged-dome" one sees peddled in extraoridinary numbers these days. Nice crosses!