Robin Lumsden

As of the 16 May 1920 Stellenbesetzung, Inf Rgt 40 of the transitional Reichsheer had a mortar (Minenwerfer) company attached.

Many thanks, Rick.

Here's a link to the Thies catalogue, which tells you all about Gerth and the unique badge from his estate.................

http://www.andreas-thies.de/pdf/text_2001.pdf

Closer view of the Epp badge...............

The full tunic.......................

Another cuff band skull......................

This skull is like the one on photo 7.................but on a band.

Here is another example of the bordered Gerth badge..............from von Salomon's book of 1936. At that time, the bordered version was considered to have been the 'official' badge. Whether it was worn widely, or at all, is another matter.

Gerth seems to be wearing a bordered badge in the first photo.

Thies (I think) sold items from the Gerth estate several years ago, including Gerth's own bordered badge.

These are wonderful photos!

Gerth won the PLM in October 1918 as an infantry Oberleutnant in France.

The badge below was authorised for wear as a commemorative 'tradition badge' by Reichswehr Infantry Regiment 40, which absorbed Freikorps Gerth. Gerth also wore his badge in an oval, thought to be bordered in bullion wire.

That's a rare beast............the badge of the 'auto & aeronautical' lot (can't be bothered to dig out the book references at the moment). Goering and Huehnlein wore it.

I always wondered why the SA Reserve of all things picked a winged shako as it's badge?

Hi Robin,

Thank you for posting the photos of your example. I think the Allach workers were also a little more careful in applying the dark glaze to your example than mine (hence my comment that mine might be a late war example)!

One of the reasons I thought the back version of the No. 89 might be a presentation piece is that black is not listed as a finish option for the No. 89 in the 1938/39 Allach catalog-only the white and white/gold finishes are listed as options.

Do you have a feel for the value of the black Allach No. 89 or are there so few examples there is not much previous sales history?

Best regards,

John

Hello John.

I'd guess about ?500-?600 GBP................but that's just a reasoned guess.

Hope this helps.

Base...........

John.

The black ones are certainly much rarer than the white ones, but I think they were just variations with no particular significance as regards presentation. Perhaps they were just less popular with buyers.

The black ones were meant to simulate iron, to give the impression of an ancient Germanic artifact. That is why they have a 'metallic' sheen to them.

I have one as well - picture attached. It seems blacker than yours, which looks as if it has a brownish hue.

Here's mine. Nothing special, but I've had it for 25 years so I've become quite attached to it!

You haven't got a QPM yet Robin............?

Fat chance! But I'll be more than happy with my Quota of Pension Money!

Apparently the award itself will be similar to the existing Police and Fire Service Medals and will be bestowed by the Queen.

If that's the case, it means that this medal will be given (with only VERY few 'token' exceptions) to senior gaffers for long service.

What a pity.

Found this on a German site.

Never seen this CT before!

Thanks for that Gordon.....you're right of course, these weren't campaign shields but it's suggested these were awarded to soldiers who took part in operation Blucher (disrupting Allied ops), that could explain why so few were awarded......incidentally,the quote from the Robin Lumsden book, that these awards were made from sheet copper is inaccurate as they were made from locally sourced thin brass.

I guess that just leaves the question whether this award is original.......

Peter.

In my humble opinion, your shield is original.

Others will disagree.

I agree with the above.

An original item, in my opinion.

Maybe unique.

And reverse................

Another von Epp........................

I've always liked the ribbon on these medals.............a bit like the 1939 EK2 !

Hi All,

I know there are a lot of makers etc, but in general what's a good price range for a good condition Knights Cross with ribbon in case?

Thanks.

A ball park figure would be ?4,000-?5,000 (GBP), cased. About $8,000-$10,000 USD.

Here's the Heuschkel badge in wear....................

I see from one of the US forums that Harvey Riley's dead.

Another of the old guard gone.

RIP, Harvey.