IMPERIAL QUEST

I have searched for an authentic example for about 10 years, and I am quite confident in this one. Please feel free to post comments and/or opinions.

Hi Steven, the issue badges come in various base metals,probably according to what was available at the time. I have stamped issue badges in steel,brass,tombak and neusilber!! It is nothing to worry about the badge looks fine.Ferg1.

Thanks very much for the info. I just love these...

Hi Steven, nice example of an issue piece,I would say out of C E Junckers outlet. Silvered tombak? Ferg1.

Hi Ferg 1,

Thanks very much for the reply. It appears to be nickle-silver or nuesilver (sp?) except for the catch, it is definitely brass/tombak. I say this because the silver appearance is consistent throughout, even at the points where wear is evident. One of your comments leads me to another question. Everything I have read about Prussian Pilot badges had lead me to believe that issue pieces were in silvered iron. Do you know if the issue Prussian Observer badges were in silvered iron as well as tombak or nickle-silver?

A name and nothing else simply isn't enough.

There was exactly one Prussian officer pre-war named L?ns but that doesn't mean THAT one was yours. It does, however, give some indication of how unusual that name was-- if what you have been given is accurate.

The Imperial army was a FEDERAL body. There isn't a central registry, because each of the 4 Kingdoms had their own separate armies-- and records. Even with a photo showing awards or a specific unit, 99% of wartime reserve Leutnants (the bulk of the wartime officer corps) are STILL going to be hopeless. It needs a paper trail that can be followed.

If it was easy it would be... easy!

Rick,

I was afraid that this was going to be the case, although I didn't realize the level of difficulty that is involved with pinning an individual down. What really bothers me, isknowing that somewhere out there the "lost" identity papers are waiting to be found- if in fact as you say, the information I was given is correct...

Interesting about the last name, I was not aware that it was not a "commonly" encountered name. Anyhow, thanks very much for the reply, and explanation.

Reverse of central rayed panel.

Catch

Hinge

Reverse

Just wanted to share this with you all. The piece belonged to Hans Loens, is non-magnetic, and features a plated brass tomato soup orange-colored enameled panel.

Do you think the chest or at least the compartments in it are new? The way I remember it, the chest looked rather old, with leather labels with the name of each order.

Hi,

I wouldn't swear to it, but the inserts look as they were made in modern times to protect and secure each item as seen in museums. The original labels made of leather may have been part of an original display, and reused later on replacement liners. Now, if the reverses of the medals are corroded, black, or discolored badly - then Ed's comments would be quite true in this "case" - no pun intended. . I don't mean to imply that I have iron clad proof that they are not original, I am just offering my thoughts.

Had the collection been mine, with much pleasure Gerd. But, alas, it is that of the late King Oscar II of Sweden. I took a picture of his chest of orders when I have been visiting Stockholm a couple of years ago.

Joke aside, I wonder what materials did they use for the chest. The orders seem to have been kept in pristine conditions for more than 100 years.

Looks just like the spray on synthetic fibers/velvet that you see on the inner display pads of small individual jewelry cases. I think that a lot of damage or tarnishing that I hear about over the years is more of a result of an improperly controled climate. the resulting tarnish or damage to the items may very well be a reaction of dies in the felt or material in cases of environments with extreme humidity/heat and generally unstable climate control.

I know some of the guys here are tired of being "used" by some, but I am not asking for anyone to do the foot work. I would just like to know where I might start looking...

Lastly, I also incorporate some color graphics that I create on my computer. This allows me to display the item, and see all of the "special" characteristics without constantly removing it.

A small Imperial display.

The following method has served me well. I display cased items as well as small groupings within a Ryker display by cutting the shape of the case or item from the white filler material that is included with the display, as well as the felt background of my choice. This allows the entire grouping to be kept together. I always place a small tag on the back of the displays indicating that the objscts are part of an original grouping, and are not to be separated. As a side note, I have had many items displayed against the same felt background for more than 15 years, and I have never seen any adverse effects whatsoever.Some examples of my displays:

I obtained an Imperial Observer's badge and was told that it belonged to someone named Hans Loens. There were some identity papers for this man, but it seems they have recently been lost to history before I obtained the piece. It would be nice to know some information on this individual so that his name isn't forever lost to history.

Can someone direct me to an archive, or other referenc material where I might start a search?

Sincere thanks,

Steven

Imperial Quest, I must applaud you in the ways in which you have presented your banners. Impressive is an understatement. They look exquisite.

Thanks very much. A new addition. I believe this to be from the 1864 German/Danish War. It is approx. 8 ft. X 4 ft. and represents on ly the center portion of a much larger flag. It is a medium weight linen.

Interesting thread. This one is nearly identical to the one in post #11, except for the cross. I once had a Prussian silver cliche' badge with the exact same hinge. pin, catch, and the square mark as well.

On the subject of this mark, I have yet to find a single Imperial item, cross, or badge bearing this mark, that is not of the absolute highest quality.

Thanks very much to both of you. Fortunately, all that is hurt in this case is my feelings as no money has changed hands. Take care.

Reverse

Hi all,

Opinions on the attached example please. It is gold plated brass. I have seen a few Meybauer examples from time to time, but this setup is very different from the others. Could this be an issue piece?

It appears to have the exact needle, and hinge that appears on AWS Pillow Back EK I's, and also a few private purchase silver VWA's that I have seen. Your thought would be most appreciated.

It looks like it was originally a screwback that was converted. Is that verdigis around the hinge and catch or a poor job of soldering?

Tom,

Thanks very much for the reply. These are the only pics I have for now............but I bet you are correct Thanks very much, and I'll post better oics when it gets here.

Some opinions on this hollow example would be appreciated. I know these types are rare, and I don't recall ever seeing a fake one. But what do you think of the fastening setup? Definitely not what I usually see on these....

Packet reverse

Packet obverse