marrauder

Finally you´ve found one info which is not clearly defined, and created opinion that it means all other my info is trash. But in fact, this was the only moment in my long essay, that you could slightly doubt. We were talking about 20th century history, so I shortened the long and complicated history of two different states in the (for now) irrelevant medieval past to the diplomatic term nearly. I know, for Slovakia it is totally and for Czech lands less than half of it, but in this case it doesn´t matter if you want to explain basic differences of 20th century history to the foreigner. Look, before you start with your "no regards", it would be good to know, that 90% of my info about Czechs is from czech sources. I am enjoying mainly Martin Krystlík, and his Zamlčené dějiny I., II. (Hidden History). He belongs to the few authors that are not happy with funny heroical legends and damages the official myths - myths about Munich 38, about protectorate, about expelling the Germans, etc. Regards gentleman.

Not Godet, but nice anyway. Thanks for sharing.

Gordon, it is very easy. Term Czechoslovakia means Czech republic and Slovak republic together, in Federation (1918-1939 and 1945 - 1992). Before those dates both states were in Austrian monarchy for nearly 1.000 years. After 1992 they are quasi independent states, that in fact obey the rules of European Union. That period 1939 - 1945 is very important to differ between Czech republic that became Bohmen und Mahren protectorat and Slovak republic, that became (again quasi) independent state. Militaria of Slovak state (39-45) are very rare and priced, because Slovakia had only two divisions on Eastern front. Slovaks are typical "morale soldiers". When Germany was winning, they were fighting very bravely (Slovaks, together with LSSAH seized Rostov na Donu, Slovak pilots flew in JG52 together with Hartmann), but when war fortune changed sides, they were mass deserting. Czechs are typical "nichtkämpfers". I call them slavic Italians, hehe. Last time they fought during 30 years war, and their "promo" at Biela Hora, 1620 was disaster. During ww2 they were working for the Reich, enjoying bismarckian social system (with rents and retirement) implanted there by Reinhard Heydrich. His assasination (prepared by London, not by Czech resistance which in fact didn´t exist) is well known, less known is the fact that there was spontaneous mourning demonstration for Heydrich´s support, that 30.000 people attended. First and very funny Czech "Uprising" started already at 5th of May 1945, when Hitler was already dead for a week. Another interesting details: 1. Slovakia is the first and only German ally to begin the war already in september 1939 against Poland. 2. It is less known fact, that war movement in fact started in Slovakia, in 26th August 1939, when division Brandenburg received the "halt ordnung" very late and was already engaging in Jablunkovsky Pass. 3. There are three Knight´s crosses awarded to Slovaks. First two were given to commanders of Slovak Army (gen. Malar and gen. Turanec), third one to the Slovak volunteer in waffen SS, Gustáv Wendrinský from SS Florian Geyer Division. With 41 confirmed tank kills, Wendrinský was the best anti tank gunner of ww2 (called "cruel dog from Pressburg"). He died during breakthrough attempt from Budapest encirclement. 4. One of the recipients of the Slovak War Victory Cross was also infamous Oskar Dirlewanger. I am posting photo with Slovak award on the neck, under the Knights Cross. Regards.

This is my 1st class Silver Leisek signed "BRONZE" on the rim.

As I know, those Bravery medals marked "BRONZE" are official award types from ww1, made of bronze instead of silver, or gold. If the BM is from kriegsmetall and it is not marked for bronze, it is postwar award type. Sometimes you can also see mark "UNECHT" instead of mark "BRONZE" on official kriegsmetalls. Systematically, it hasn´t anything to do with Frenchies. Correct me if I am wrong. Regards.

Beautiful piece, indeed. I am dreaming about EK2 1939 mini on Godet´s buttonhole device. If somebody knows some, I would like to see the pictures, at least. Regards.

Sorry, I don´t know how to download pictures from that eBay frame, (but I would like to learn it). To clear your question, there is only one cross, photographed from two distances, once with side light, then with flash. I was fooled from those first two photos taken from bigger distance, that it is some fancy prinzen. Just when I browsed those closeups, it is clearly certain Ninth Bead Fake with thin W and over and under 8. First I also thought there are two crosses offered, but seller clearly speaks "Sie bieten hier auf ein Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse 1870" Then compare some details (for example the casting bubble under the reverse crown) and you will find them on both crosses. If the seller had left only first two pictures, he would fool me for sure. Regards.

Tu fui ego eris.

In fact I came to this thread to say that long time I didn´t see such beautifully masked Ninth bead fake http://www.ebay.de/itm/Eisernes-Kreuz-II-Klasse-1870-/220946176299?pt=Militaria&hash=item33716b192b

If I was in the middle of big military show somewhere in Germany, I would send message through mobile internet to the forum and I believe in ten minutes there would be the answer from saschaw: Mmm, it´s a fake, I´ve already seen it before ten minutes. Hehe. But seriously, there are things I am sure with, there are others that I am unsure, so I am asking. Sometimes I am asking abut things I am not about to buy, just want to know it for the future. Being on militaria show is similar to picking mushrooms - If there is somebody who can help you, you can pick all mushrooms that are not poisonous. If you are alone, you pick only those you are sure with. Very easy. Spoon feeding is the beginning of independence also in common life, not only in militaria collecting. I understand you, garfordhouse, and I am also sometimes angry that people on forums answer very briefly, sometimes only yes or not, without saying why. But don´t forget, there is no law that would force experienced collectors to help us. It is only their free will.

Hi, Dede, I am only beginner, take it as such. I am not asking these things to spoil your day, just for my better knowledge. That spange reminds me cats paw spange, but your closeup is not enough close to claim it for sure. Also - it is again more question than statement - aren´t some of the ribbons of different width than others? Regards

Beautiful Sachsen. There is no mini, but it is style I like. Firstly, the central ribbon is sewn tight, so the ribbons create bow look. I don´t like when mini looks like jukebox, which you can upgrade - or degrade - anytime you want. Secondly, six half-ribbons in three bows, hmmm, decent tailor´s work that makes mini not only nicer but also more trustful. Again, just my thoughts. Regards

Just yesterday, raritaetensammlerclub sold EK1 1870 B core for more than 600 euros. I didn´t bid it (combination of lack of sources and awareness of this buyer learned on forums), but despite of it I would like to know what do you think about this piece. Core looks good (except of being painted) and hardware is far from what I saw on good EK1 A cores. But in fact I have never seen good B core hardware. Thanks in advance Link: http://www.ebay.de/itm/OEK-1903-Eisernes-Kreuz-1-Klasse-1870-/140692265103?pt=Militaria&hash=item20c1e9988f

Hm, I am always aware when seeing 1914 spange, maybe just the "reflex" of beginner, heh. And some ribbons look to be in newer condition than others... But if you say, saschaw, it is good, than ok, I learned something. But some closeups will be appreciated anyway :)

Hm, hm, indeed, very interesting piece and unique as well - if original. But I see some question marks on it. Can we see some closeups? Thanks in advance

I just found one serif piece, but the dimensions are 17 x 13 mm. Is it prinzen size or what? Regards

Hey, Graf, it is the question of his offer, not of your decision. He must make you reasonable o.f.f.e.r. But all he offered you for now is very cheap idea about restoring history. History is out there, raped not first time, she will withstand it. As you said, there is no certainty that this grouping had not been mixed and matched even before the Auction. And IMO there is no certainty that - after your restoration attempt- it won´t be split once in the future.

I think he should return you the Pour Le Merite to restore the history, heh.

I take it as it is - as a honest opinion. Thanks. I agree with you that oaks can´t be evaluated according to cross they are attached with. It can´t be fake only because it was seen on Ninth beads. I also saw it on good A-cores and nobody gave a damn word about it. First thing is investment, second one is like/dislike. And I really like more serif pieces. This one was interesting for me only until it was very cheap. And finally it wasn´t. Regards.

Hm, ok, bad photo... So, this type of Sanserifs is still in the game...?

Second cross is Ninth bead, right?

Bogus was already sold, for crazy money. It was far over 100 euros when I gave up watching...

Thanks for opinions

Closeup

On the left is more common Godet button, that can be seen on miniature chains, on the right is my fresh purchase. Which one is older, or were they used simultaneously?