Glenn R

Hello all,thought WW1 history buffs may be interested in this. I've just returned from a visit to the Somme area, a trip I make at least once a year. I revisited and walked the area around High Wood yesterday, one of my areas of interest, especially concerning the actions of the 15th London Rgt. While walking the perimeter of the wood we found the usual ordnance including several intact Mills Bombs. To my surprise, I found these two pieces of what I strongly believe to be German ammo pouches. They had clearly been thrown up by farming activity and were just lying on the surface if the ground. I have never found leather items in this manner before and considering that they are not far off a hundred years old they are in remarkably good condition. For those of you who know High Wood, I found them around 20 feet into the field, directly in front of the memorial to the 1st Battalion Cameron Highlanders. Had I left them in situ they would have undoubtedly deteriorated over the course if the coming winter.

Tony, that's fantastic. Very rare to be able to put a genuine history to a particular cross. I can understand why you have kept it. I often wonder when I look at less collectible crosses just how valuable they'd become if their history was known. Sounds like your cross has a superb story behind it.

Hey Greg, how you keeping mate? Yes seems a vey similar tale doesn't it? I think you're right on the strong design and if being something from the dark side. As a kid that's powerful imagery. I also remember endlessly looking st the covers of my dad's Sven Hassell books. You know, the old seventies/eighties covers? I think Lemmy from Motörhead always wearing one has an impact on me as a teenager too. Hi Tony, nice that You've still kept your crosses though. There a some I should never have sold on myself. Particularly a couple of boxed spanges I used to have which have rocketed in price insanely. I've moved a lot more into WW1 Trios and researching British groupings these days. I've only ever been an Iron Cross collector as far as German is concerned really with a few exceptions. I've discovered the pleasure in researching medal groups and casualties. Even managed to visit a few graves. I will start posting some of my groupings in the relevet forum soon. Cheers, Glenn.

Chris, should there be anything I can assist with I'm glad to. Would very much welcome an Imperial book. Tired some years ago to compile one with a friend but the project and friend fell by the wayside.

We may have discussed this here before but do you all know what started the obsession we share with this medal? I bought my first EK1, what I now know was a an unmarked Klein and Quenzer, for £40 about 22 years ago. I've owned and sold hundreds since then. When I actually think about it I'm quite sure it was Oddball from Kelly's Heroes wearing one around his neck that started it for me. I remember watching it as a kid and thinking how cool he was and how much I'd have loved that cross. Good job he wasn't wearing a Pour Le Merite! I'd probably be a broken man by now! What about you guys?

I have a soft spot for the "humble" KO. Funny things us collectors. I reckon that if they were less common we'd find more to love about them. I've owned a few stupidly rare crosses that I've lusted after for ages. Once in the hand I've found them quite ugly. Ratchet backs for example. So desirable but like a piece of rudimentary gynaecological equipment! (controversial?) How many KO crosses we see were awarded in the field and worn in the field? That's the thing I love about crosses.

Looks absolutely fine to me. Nice cross. Would need better pics of the case but nothing from the picture suggests any issues.

Hey welcome back Leigh. Two of us back from sabatical in a matter of days. Believe me there's a lot to catch up on!

Just beautiful.

Takes years to build up but removed in seconds. I like to see this on a cross. Nice.

What an excellent selection of photos. Great to see member's ancestors posted here.

Completely agree Eric, I wouldn't peg this as in any way a "put-together" the parts show too much integrity. It has that bespoke quality to it.

That is a lovely piece. The pin and catch reek of quality. Very nicely made. Looks like a high silver content from the tarnishing? Glenn.

Danny's hit the nail on the head there. I'm sure there's other pictures in circulation of this fake. The quality is a give-away, as are the details of the date, and frame. Sorry to have to confirm your suspicions mate. I hope that not much money changed hands for it. Glenn.

It's a copy I'm afraid.

How do you find the MG08 on driven partridge? I tend to find they're a bit tiring under the arm on a long day's shooting myself! :D

Keep posting them so we can enjoy them with you! :cheers:

Lovely cross, congratulations.

That's a very nice high quality piece. The hinge looks fine to me. I love the finish on Meybauers and the core details. Glenn.

I'm in agreement with Chris. If I had someones family medals and they passionately wanted them for the right reasons I'd gladly let them have them for the price I paid or less if they couldn't afford them. Providing of course that they were genuine, decent folk. On the other hand, I am searching for my ancestor's medals and should I ever locate them I'd happily pay through the nose if necessary. I could not expect that the current keeper should return them to me as if by some right. The matter is purely at the discretion of the individuals concerned. Once the medals are lost to a family then they must be purchased again. I'd also love my Dad's Vincent Rapide but if I ever found it I'm sure that it would cost more than the £500-00 he paid for it in the 50's! Picture the scene; "That motorcycle belonged to my father so here's £500, you shouldn't expect to keep it!"

I agree, I'd leave it well alone. This is the state in which it has survived and any repairs would be a detraction. It's not as if its going to be worn again. Nice display piece though, lovely core. Glenn.

Very interesting communications. Nice to be talking to the family. I wouldn't like to comment on the voracity of the accounts, not my area but it makes for very interesting reading. I'm still firmly of the opinion that grammatical arguments aside, that is a period engraved cross. Excuse me for the shame-faced hint, but I'd buy it! ;)

I have collected EK's and specifically engraved EK's for quite some time now. I would be absolutely happy with the engraving on that cross and see no issue with it at all. It looks to me that the pin may have been a repair job at some point but doesn't detract from it for me at all. A really nice find. Thanks for sharing it. I would add it to my collection in a heartbeat. Glenn.

Definately different core details. Does look quite Godet. AWS back is absolutely spot on.