Rogi

A real shame that the name is lost to time, no engravings of any sort on these that could maybe re-lead us to Albert?

I just noticed a name on the cigar box label written in pen, reads something like Dybratin/Sybratin or Dibratin/Sibratin Albert, maybe a better look on the label might lead to something.

As Joseph indicated Serbian Order of the White Eagle, the swords make up for the enamel loss in the price, it should probably command a bit lower price tag as a "perfect" Order of the White Eagle without swords.

Can you post a photo of it next to another Order? Order of the Red Star or similar?

From the look of your piece it looks like a 5th class, the crown is a bit smaller on them, but just in case please post something next to it for size comparison , have you seen any hallmark on the suspension ring or crown?

What a beautiful bar and hopefully a name will reappear, its a shame when the groups get split up, but it feels so much better when they get re-united  I wish you the best of luck on your research journey

There have been a couple similar ones in the forum in the past, it looks like those circus ringmaster pieces, they mostly seem to imitate orders/medals.

Although the quality on this one looks good, I would wait on another members opinion before passing on this piece as it could be legit. It remind me of Denmark's Order of St. John and since I dont collect these pieces there is a decent probability of it belonging to the Order.

Very interesting piece obi, it could be a custom ordered Takovo that was placed in the producer's own box. It looks good from all initial observations but the only thing that concerns me a little is the stamping of the lettering, the top looks ok but the bottom looks more deeply stamped in and crooked. 

If it was a good price I think I may have gone for it too, sometimes we miss a good piece and an excellent one shows up later so I'm hoping that you will find something even better in the future

I think it is hard to narrow down 5 greats, but its a very pro US list fox has compiled  many amazing museums elsewhere too. Russia, Canada, Serbia, and not to mention an amazing museum in the US, The National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center (although checking their site closed for renovations), others in the US such as the Smithsonian is amazing too  

Just to add a bit

As Paul stated there is a Soviet (much better quality) and non-Soviet version of these orders.

The 1950s variations have much better quality (ie as an example look like OPW 2 production) and usually screwbacks (I can't recal if they were all serial numbered but I sense recalling a grouping a couple years ago that had a couple of these serial numbered and award booklets) , the distinguishing feature in the inter 1960s period is the weight (and lack of screwback), as Paul mentioned, but the early issue Soviet produced ones are much much nicer and it is noticeable.

The indigenous produced pieces are much more crude in production and aren't serial numbered.

It is a great find  especially if it isn't very frequently found in Germany.

I originally thought Albania but the closup makes me think maybe China or something similar (Asian countries) would love to have the centrepiece detail a bit more as it could be a lot of countries apllicable to it, maybe even middle east. 

11 minutes ago, Harold Bell said:

I see. It just strikes me odd that somehow it became available to anyone. I'll contact his son, Col. Douglas Bell USMC retired, and get the info. I am glad it's in the hands if someone that appreciates my uncle's heroism. 

Thank you for your Uncle's (and family's) service and I hope I will do his history justice on this site, he had a long and heroic career and beyond in retirment as well, I really appreciate a lot of reunion photos and history online that is available. 

I'd like to share that research with you.

I'll provide any info. you need through our pm system.

Hello Mr. Bell 

I've sent you a pm but in short I purchased it off another forum from a well established member there. 

Beautiful addition Paul a great gem in the collection

A very beautiful piece considering the new pieces that are coming out now a days has a very old world feal in the design.

Beautiful  love the hue on the Order of Takovo's Sash 

2 hours ago, Chris Boonzaier said:

Pity, I thought it was a good tip. I guess it is safer to stick to ones own collecting field.

 

best

Chris

Nah Chris it was a good intention tip  and thanks mate for doing so and members can learn from some of those pieces, its always a good idea to post as we can always share and learn something. 

I find the Croatian Orders and medals are best when felt and examined in person a lot of these dont photo well online plus most resources are either good books on the collecting or from fellow collectors.

I was on the bench with these as sometimes legit stuff can be badly photoed but id tend to agree with Von, some of those items dont give a good vibe.

This is a 1985 issue.

The look of the WW2 orders looks different as the OPW1 is gold while the 1985 version is gold gilt(like plated)

A really easy tell if you cant tell the difference is that the engraved number is underlined and thicker on a 1985 version.

I hope that helped.

Thank you so much I forgot to check up on the thread and post, will need to add some more of Colonel Bell's History soon.

Two Photos Of Count Hisamoto Hijikata when he was younger,

first as Viscount, there is writing in non-Japanese (maybe English?) on the bottom, from what I can make out it reads:

"Viscount Hijikata, Minister.....(can't make out the rest)"

and another very similar pose:

and another very prominent photo, as it is found on most sites that share his biography. Photo is credited from 1899, from information provided his Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun was bestowed in October 25, 1887.

I will stop here for today, I'm still trying to make out the family's history and translate the information into English, but I'll make a post with Count Hijikata's history soon. Thank you all for looking.

Thank you all for your comments and help I've taken it a bit easier on posting some of the last remaining photos as I don't want to mix up Count Hisamoto Hijikata and his relatives there are some photos that look like they reference the Count, but in fact it is his relative.

Paja, it indeed looks like the Order of Takovo, if only the picture was a bit bigger and in focus   we could have a better look.

Rush, thank you I hope I can add much more information in the future

serbman, thank you for posting this picture it is his most famous and his orders are shown in good detail here, I was hesitant in posting it as I was able to find a larger one a couple months ago, but when I went back to find it I had lost it if I re-find it then I'll make the post. Here is another very similar shot:

Here are some additional photos:

Again another one that doesn't have a clearer or larger image it would have been nice to see this one in a larger photo as it appears that most of his orders are visible in the picture.

These ones although very little I like a lot,

1909 meeting, Count Hijikata is in the middle, seated.

October 13, 1915- Visit to Ushiku Vineyard.

Small

and Large versions found online:

October 13, 1915:

and last one for today, this is credited as Hisamoto Hijikata and only found on two locations online that I've seen, it does look like him to me although not 100% certain :

In the next couple days I'll try to post some more of his photos and his family, thank you all for looking

Thank you Rush for the kind words

I've done a bit more research and will be posting some more pictures of Count Hisamoto Hijikata and of his family  that I've found online.

Here is his household residence ( I believe this was the family's home, but I have to do more research on the residence to confirm)

I believe it still exists but I'm having a fairly hard time finding a recent photo of it

Count Hisamoto Hijikata, this is one of the more widely available images online in full uniform:

And in civillian attire:

This one I've only found 1 picture of him, fairly small

And finally for today (will post some more when I get time) this is the most perplexing image that I've come across, it is only available off a Japanese only picture seller (ip address has to originate from Japan to be able to access it) if anyone has a clearer image of this picture, or Japan IP, please pm me, as I'd really like to see the full clear image. I think the Order of Takovo is on his uniform, but because of the blurry picture I can't make it out for sure.

Very cool and excellent photos, ty Paja :)

In the video he is listing out why you should vote for the party and how Croatia will become a greater nation because of it etc it is a very political talk etc.and I can't post the full translation on the forum as it can conflict with many member's opinions and beliefs.

excellent :)

Very nice Order of Takovo Breast Star is also displayed  (below the Rising sun on the left)

He was always energetic on the forums, helping whenever possible and I will always remember his passion and enthusiasm for organizing the Photo Competition. It won't be the same without you Mervyn, R.I.P my friend.