Graf

King Ferdinand of Bulgaria Golden Fleece -sold on Auction by SOTHEBY'S London on 7th of July 1998

Prince/King Ferdinand of Bulgaria

Hi Peter From what I can see this one is a 1914 Second Class Iron Cross If I am not wrong the stamp on the ring is "KO" No Idea why this EK is listed as Star of Grand Cross There are two explanations either the seller has no idea or he is trying to deceive novices I like the assembly with the lily If this was a Grand Cross with similar finish it could have been described as one Seler did as : "This version of the cross was period manufactured as a museum example, also often exhibited during military ceremonies and State anniversaries, as evident from contemporary publications and photos."

Later reproduction Collector/s Copy Those items are quite questionable, however it is up to the buyer who will decide how much want to spend on such items One has to keep in mind that only handful originals are known/ Also does any one want to have it in their collection and/or for display ..and to have a nice Topic for conversation with their guests Cheers

Hi Peter Cornwell, Happy New Year ! Sometimes the fakers intentionally make additional features That way they can claim that those items are replicas not fakes Fakes are to deceive the unsuspected buyers Replicas are fillers for someone collection, who can not get originals for some reasons (affordability, rarity, and others )

Hi Igor, It is nice, however they should had consulted us about the Decorations. {just a Joke] We do not expect the general public to be with advanced Militaria knowledge like dedicated collectors, therefore the film producers are not trying to be exact with the items used.

"All I can see is an angel enjoying a TV dinner" I like your description of the unusual Mark It is a pity that it is a fake

That is an amazing find The Orders of Patriarch Josif are amazing I read the text Well Done

Welcome. Do not hesitate to ask questions. That is the purpose of those Forums To learn from each other Cheers

Cheers !

HI WtwinVince The slab is 180 mm long, 90 mm wide and 25 mm thick The hand assembly is 110 mm long and 60 mm high and the bronze base is 60mm x 60 mm Cross is 80 mm long and 55 mm wide

Hi GM1 The one with more robust and fat lion is a later make Buls made two models . This one is the second model That why I described your Knight in the box as an early make of Buls To be more precise 2nd Model early emission Both have their own place in the collecting word Here is picture showing the two Models On the left is the first Model The Knigh, from the 2nd model s the early emission like yours in the box The features excluding the Crown are very close to the 1st model Slimmer lion and finer parts of the cross The form of the crown for the Commander and Grand Cordon remained the same as the 1st Model

That is even more outstanding I saved it in my files Now is the hunt for one of those

Thank you for listing this outstanding item

From a fellow collector in France Yes it is unusual item, that is why I am sharing with the Forum I do not think it was mass production Cheers

Outstanding find

Outstanding Man. Very rare now days

Hi GM1, Very nice and well preserved Order and box This is an early 2nd Type Knight Cross by Buls in its Original Box Congrats

Diploma for Graduation Police Gendarmerie Course

Super !

Hi Igor, Lovely Crosses Well Done

Thank you Bayern !