Stogieman

I'd agree. Check with a framing shop and tell them you want acid-free, museum-quality mounting linen. A quality shop will know what you need.

Detlev has sold about 2 originals... but the last time I discussed this piece with him, he is shying away from them as much as the rest of us. The copies are just too good these days. I would not touch one of these without some iron-clad provenance. I've only handled 3 or 4 real ones over my entire collecting career. However, superb fake ones can be had on any major auction house (on-line or fixed) on a weekly basis!

This is (IMO) one of the most wonderful of all the Imperial Orders. I never get tired of seeing these!

Nice bar, really unusual combination and right as rain!

Careful Mr. Research........... there is a difference in height between the Bavarian and W?rttemburg Bars.........

Fabulous Bar Claudio....... just fabulous.

Heiko! Is that a miniature GOLD Liaket Medal w. mini Saber/Battle Bar????

Ouch, and I thought I was having all the bad luck. Heiko, if there's anything we can do to help out, please just give us a "shout" via P/M. Hope you are better SOON!

Maybe these fellows just felt a "decoration" should precede a Long Service Medal...... regs be damned??? Who knows why this happens, but there's no shortage of (obviously) period bars (both medal & ribbon) with a plethora of errors on them!

Hi Chris, one of the biggest docs I've seen!

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!