Graf

Hi GregM Thank you for your comments. Yes, I agree with you that the pin is different from the ones the most common seen on EK1 by AWS.(picture provided) The material on the latch looks the same as the one on the hook. As I mentioned and as you suggest the latch could have been added by jeweller or by the maker himself by the Owner request. The reason for better and more secure attacment to the uniform. The pin system including the latch deos not show any signs for replacement The soldering is quite neat. In the Group owned by Hans Adam there were two EK1 -this AWS and one more standard, however in better condition. I assume that AWS EK1 was used on dayly basis..hence more paint loss and the latch lock. Regards Graf

Hi Chris, Thank you for your comment. Yes, It is hardly to believe that anyone will split it up. I assume that the person who bought the Group was after the Pour Le Merite Order He did not have other option Then he decided to split it up to get some of his money back. Auction price for the Group was 28 000 EURO plus commission of 20%+ ..and it was few years ago. If i was him i would keep the Group intact It is an example how people interfere with history - Some Collectors "create" groups for a profit, some split them up to reduce the "damage" on their budget. That is why The British VC is getting more and more expensive on the market ..it is difficult to "create" history with ths decoration since it is the most well documented one. Once you get a hold of VC eighter a single piece or in a group you know that you have a part of real history in your hands Regards Graf

Hi Hagahr, Thank you for your comments I will take them into consideration while I keep examining the EK in more details. The Cross looks fine ..no signs for resoldering or any late alterations The soldering is perfect and in most of the sides hardly seen as with any good quality EK1 and EK 2 I know that AWS is mostly known for their EK1 with "waffled' backplates (Ralatively rare Variation) This Ek is somting different from their ;known' design, That is why i decided to list it on the Forum. Regarding the latch and the paint I assume since the EK was owned by U-bout High ranking Officer - Hans Adam it might be custamised for him ( in the same fasion as for the top flyinng Aces in WW1- picture provided) not to get lost in action The paint could have been worn from the salty water conditions I collect Rare variations of 1914 EK1 and I also examine in details any new EK I get hold for late alterations. Recently I came across of 1939 "Schinkel" EK1 which had a frame and back silver plate of WW1 EK 1 fitted to 1939 Iron core -the problem was that this EK had very bad resoldering, damaged black paint and cracked frame ,,,all sugesting of intentional"upgrading" of the value of the EK Regards Graf

One more Graf

Hi, This is closer view Regards Graf

last one Graf

closer view

Sorry, I am a basic member and due to the restrictions, I have to post the pictures one by one Graf

Hi Guys, I want to show you something interesting It is 1914 EK1 with a special latch lock of the pin made by AWS and marked 925 for silver content This Ek was a part of group of rewards which belonged to Blue Max ( Pour le Merite) Winner U-Boat Commander Hans Adam (1883-1948) For some reasons the person who owned the whole group, including the Blue Max, decided to sell this rare EK1 I was lucky to get a hold of it Graf

one more L1 miniature Graf

closer image By the away there is very interesting information regarding the GO Star by Wolfers. Most collectors from Belgium insist that the Star is mady entirely by Wolfers On the other hand very respected collectors of L1 from around the world suspect that the Star is made in mid to late 1930 and is assembled by De Greef with most parts by Wolfers and some parts( front central piece) by De Greef, which can exlain the uncrowned Lion and the plain red enamel. Graf

Bravo. Very impressive indeed I like Luxury miniatures Here is one in white Gold by Massaux

Thank you for your comments They are of great help I collect Orders from Europe. Most Orders that come for sale on the market are Standard ones Thre is no problem with them However, from time to time there are pieces on sale that differ form the Standard. They are not mentioned in any literature These forums are great, since members can share pictures of their collection and also opinions This picture is my small contibution to the topic of ths Forum Two French made Order of Leopold -Commander and Officer Grades I am still eager to get more opinion on the GO Star by Wofers Graf

This is the Maker sign

This is closer veiw of the central part Graf

This is closer view Graf

Hi , Thank you for the information. I bought it from Bonus-Eventus.be It was listed for 850 EURO i managed to get a better price The Star is still on their site Yes that is wht worry me that it could have been switch of the central part If so, it could be vere old one since the patina on the whole Star is even and old Graf

one more Graf

Sorry, wrong photo This photo was taken in the last few years of his life This one is from his years as a Ruler of Bulgaria

Yes, Ferdinand was quite interisting person When you compare the Orders from his period with the ones from his son Boris III you can realise how much he liked the glomour By the way he spend qite a bit from his family wealth for transforming the capital Sofia into europian city. From the photos that exist it is obvious that sometimes he had carry significant part of his collection for display

Thank you New World, I did not forget the First Class with this beautiful green enamel I just wanted to show these rare luxury examples with Diamonds - variations from the Standard Orders Graf

This is the reverse of the GO Graf

Hi, I just added to my Leopold collection this very nice GO Star by Wolfers I would like your opinion Stars made by Wolfers are usually with crowned Lions and the red enamel is translucent with specific "texture" uderneth This one has non crowned Lion and plain red darkish enamel Graf

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2011/post-12584-0-79050300-1324472903.jpgHi, It is me again The WW2 Police items also have the initials BDP --Bulgarian Governments' Police