Graf

Hi Ulsterman, Thank you for the comment Which one did you mean the Document or the Medals ? Both ways you are rigth. That is why we collect old Militaria You can not compare the quality of the new one with the old one. The new one can look very shiny, however lacks the quality The makers did not want to make quick bucks, the wanted to withstand and keep their reputation very high. Graf

Yes it is intersting topic. Only if we can find any documentation regarding this Version of the LOH. They perhaps were in position to order such LOH because their salary was 1,000 gold francs a year for guards and trompeters, an amount which was particularly high at the time, and after 7 years of service, their pay was increased 80 additional cents per day Graf

The reverse with Silver screw nut Both Cross and the plate are not marked

The reverse with Silver screw nut Both Cross and the plate are not marked

The reverse with Brass screw nut

Hi, I found that this particular type by Meybauer has few variations 1 With all parts marked 2. With the Plate and the screw marked 3. With the Cross and the screw marked 4. Only the screw marked -it can come in Silver or Brass variatioons In addition the cross and the plates can have marks for different Silver content.

Hi Bison, Thank you for the information and the very nice comments. You are quite right that nickname might have been created because the Cent Gardes or the Napoleon III body Guards had a very special status. Therefore, anything that looks special or Very Luxury could have been very easily contributed to the Cent Gardes -in this case this Luxury variation of LOH. It is interesting that this nickname of LOH was picked-up by both dealers and collectors and is widely used. I looked for a maker"s mark, however I have not found one. ..only the Silver mark (boar head) Do you think that these type of LOH could have been made privately by a very good jewellers, like few Luxury LOH in Gold or Silver with Diamonds, during the III and IV Republics. Most of them do not have any maker's marks. It is believed that they were ordered by the Recipients to show that they had a higher economic status in the Society Regards Graf

Close-up of the reverse What I noticed is the Second issue comes in two types rings on the top of the medals The ribbons could be defferent as well Graf

Close up

Hi Valter, Theodor gave you a very nice information. The thin ring is added later on All medals come with a very nice thick ring as the one on the Silver medal Here are the first issue and an Awarding Document, which are much more difficult to get then the second issue medals Graf

The crown of Cent Gardes

The reverse of Cent Gardes

Hi I would like to share with the Forum my Cent Gardes of LOH It took me a while to research what exactly are the features of this Variation of LOH, before i decided to buy this one. I have seen different "types" of Cent Gardes over the years. However, some of them looked more likely as Luxury Versions of LOH but not Cent Gardes What I believe as true features of Cent Gardes are: - Typical higly detailed crown with a closed bottom part - The hinge connecting the Cross with the crown is concealed - The Cross arms are typical with edges - Front and reverse central medallions are three parts constuction in highly polished Gold If anyone has much beter knowledge on the topic, please share with us any information Regards Graf

Hi, Thank you for all help I found a lot of information regarding Royal Guards This is my new Tunic of LANCE SERGEANT with a belt Next will be COLOUR SERGEANT or/and OFFICER Tunic

Hi Grige, It is a very common Order from the III Republic.Knight Class in a very poor codition. Nothing special with the flags,, just maker variation I am not an expert as some of the other members, however i can tell you that it is not worth to spend your money on it. You can find in much better and near mint codition on Internet or EBay ..or perhaps in your own town Regards Graf

GC of Leopold II Graf

Hi, Just managed to get a very nice old sash for my GC of Leopold II Very happy Graf

Hi Ikon, This is VI Class of the order without crown . This Class does not have enamel and comes in silvered metal. The period is difficult to gess, however it can be estimated around WW1 It is missing the ribbon This Class was awarded in two Variations with crown and without crown and was given to lowest ranking clerks or military persons. From the picture it looks like your Great-Grandfather was a Life Guard without rank, which explains the Class he was given Regards Graf

HI Streptile, I think it is more likely a MIniature for chain or button piece (the last I can fix easier I have few silver buttons on dispose), because it is double sided with typical pearl beading as Godet one It can be easier converted to normal Minature with additional silver ribbon ring, however i prefer to keep it this way for the moment. Graf

The Set Graf

HI, I agree with you I might be wrong. For this amount of money i recently got this nice set in an extremly rare box The box is smaller then the standard ones and it is dark brown not black or green Also it has the maker printed inside. Graf

HI, Are you prepared to spend $800+ for it ? Graf

HI New World. Then Opinion No3 - Soldier Cross 4th Class privately made by jeweller after WW1 period remains most likely one..........unless proved otherwise Graf

Hi New World 1. The very first Prince Alexander Model 1880-1886 of the Soldiers Cross 3-4 th Class Similar cross features in Uwe Bretzendorfer Preiskatalog from 2007 ,however the size given is 35 x 35 mm and it looks finer and it is one piece construction with smooth arms Does anyone have Prof. Pavlov book. - is similar cross included in the book? Graf

Hi New World, Your arguments sound quite convincing. I listed all these opinions, which i gathered out of the forum. The most valuable, in my opinion, is No 3 - Soldier Cross 4th Class privately made by jeweller after WW1 period It cannot be Original Awarded one, since the size of them was 34-35 mm This one is 38 mm As I mentioned in Uwe Bretzendorfer Preiskatalog (2007) similar cross is listed on page 12 - Size 35 mm (picture) I do not have Prof Pavlov book, however in none of the other books such cross is mentioned. Graf