bolewts58

This badge was actually worn as a sleeve badge by Freiwilligen-Bataillon Schade (Haarcke 775.1). The badge on eBay looks correct. But, according to the seller was 4 x 2.5 cm which is smaller than others I've seen which are 5 cm. But, it could be a variation. Here is a pic of a pair of shoulder board devices for the 34th that sold on eBay about the same time as a comparison. Given the high price, I suspect that someone thought these were also worn by the Freikorps. http://www.ebay.de/itm/261140939295?nma=true&si=Zt4e2rFYYkiXfeWn24Jp4wq4VCE%3D&rt=nc&_trksid=p4340.l2557&orig_cvip=true

The only thing I can add to this discussion is that his creations are increasingly hitting the market and include such other pieces as: the Bug Stern, The Avalov Cross (unit badge) and/or the von Randow 1st class (they are very similar), and the von Lowenfeld Cross 1st class among others. The German dealer known by many simply as "The Club" is one of the major sellers of his wares.

I know it says lower chest or breast. It actually says on the left, lower chest. I agree that it could refer to the pinback. But, I still maintain that the medal was originally supposed to be worn on a ribbon bar. Knopfloch in this case, in my opinion refers to a miniature and ribbon, or ribbon alone being worn as a buttonhole device on civilian dress. But, it could possibly mean what you say. However, in 50 years of collecting, I've never seen a picture of anyone wearing a Baltic Cross ribbon in the buttonhole like an EK, which doesn't mean it didn't happen. But, I somehow doubt it. Few awards were allowed to be worn in the buttonhole on the tunic along with the EK, except some State war merit cross ribbons. But, it should be noted that they played pretty fast and loose with regulations during this period, expecially in the Baltic, and expecially in the 2nd phase of the operation when they essentially revolted and refused to return after being ordered home by the Weimar government. It's fine to take what I or anyone says with a grain of salt. But, the bottom line is I wouldn't base a definitive opinion on the back of one award document, even if it is the standard issue document. Fortunately, there's a lot more reference material available now, than there was when I first started collecting Freikorps material in the 70s. Then, there were only von Solomon's book, a few books in German by former Freikorps leaders like Erhardt and von Oven, Robert GL Waite's Vanguard of Nazism and the 2 self-published catalogues of insignia and awards by Verkuilen Ager. I would rank Verkuilen as the leading world expert on the Freikorps, it's insignia and awards. His first book about Freikorps awards states that the Baltic cross with ribbon was the official award. Several references books since have used Verkuilen as a source of information. I also had an award document, bought from Verkuilen in 1978, (since sold, unfortunately) that stated in the citation - 'to be worn on the blue-white ribbon'. Anyway, finding out the correct information is a big part of the joy of collecting. So, we can agree to disagree until there's difinitive proof one way or another. cheers

Sorry. The pinback was not the official version. The cross originally was to be worn on the ribbon. It says it right here:..."auf der linken unteren Brustseite getragen... Band is blauweiss geteilt"...on the lower left chest...the ribbon is blue and white. Often, both were worn at the same time. The pinback came about because the Russian emigres serving with Avalov_Bermondt in the Russian Westarmee wore a screwback version, slightly smaller and with thicker, boxy arms; similar in style to Russian regimental badges. I owned one of these. But, unfortunately sold it in 1995. This together with the fact that the medal was not popular with German members of the Russian Westarmee led to the German pinback version. This is why it is much more common, with more variations than the ribbon award.

I used to own a copy of this and sold it about 15 years ago. An original Solomon Freikorps book costs about 300 Euros today. But, the book is in re-print and can be bought for about 39 Euros on Amazon.de (Germany). The original had a plain black cover with the title in gold. The re-print cover is red with a black and white, head and shoulders graphic of a Freikorp soldier. http://www.amazon.de/Das-Buch-vom-deutschen-Freikorpsk%C3%A4mpfer/dp/3922314775 I also believe there is an eBook version.

I'm new here. But, I collected Stahlhelm for many years until the early 90s when I sold off my collection. The Stahlhelm certificate is an Honour Certificate for participation in the Stahlhelm, awarded to 'Hermann Godde'. It more accurately says "In Commemoration for the Combattant member". It has the embossed seal of the Stahlhelm central committee with the first pattern Stahlhelm leaders Star Badge (worn on the cross belt) in the center. The document was given out at the annual Stahlhelm rallies. This one is pre-1933 and probably from the mid-20s.