Mark McM

... a new development. A group of five CDVs are included with the pass & document! Do not know if any of the photos are identified on the reverse... can't wait for this group to arrive!

off to a good start, guys! The info is much appreciated! Thanks a million! As soon as it arrives I'll be sure to post additional pics!

more images...

hello all... Just acquired this militarpass/soldbuch. Don't have all in hand just yet, only these scant images. Any preliminary or cursory thoughts on translation?? Thanks!

try posting it on Sword Forum: www.swordforum.com

Hi Chris, I've seen one or two Ern knives and thought about looking for one as it would be cool to display with the IC. Max may have been able to get a discount, but I doubt I will!

thanks for the comments, guys! There is something really special about these old flags. And yes, it looks great on the wall surrounded by Imperial Seitengewehr!

Thanks, Eddie. Any feedback is good feedback at this point! Much appreciated!

understood, Irish... I noticed that as well. This mystery badge is a bizarre one.

Hello All, Thought I'd post this in the hope that someone could identify it. I prefixed this badge as Polish due to the distinctive 'rocker' though the eagle seems wrong for a Polish eagle. Any thoughts??

Thanks. It clarifies matters to a degree.

Gentlemen, I found the following reference online: "The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) to recognize military merit. In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1846) a special Benemerenti medal was struck to reward those who fought courageously in the papal army at Ferrara, Bologna, and Vienna. In 1925, the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable. Members of the Swiss Guard may receive it for three years of faithful service." From this, I gather that prior to 1925 it was still considered an award for military merit/service?

Excellent stuff! Thanks guys!

Gentlemen, Would anyone have any background on this particular Benemerenti Cross? I've gone over several sources and can't find this particular example. Anybody??

Just dropping by with this - my find from last week's gun show adventure. An 1871 - 1892 type (eagle with upswept wings, narrow stripes of the black cross and black circle around the eagle is broken by the thin white stripes). All multi - piece construction except for the eagle, which appears to be hand colored. Can't be many of these around anymore!

Gentlemen, Through some additional digging, I've pretty much narrowed the search down to Gefr. d. Res. Max Ern, Reserve Infantry Regiment Nr.53, II Bataillon, 8. Kompagnie. Is there a resource available that can confirm awards? Thanks!

Thanks for the lead, turtle. Two Max Ern's show up in that database and both are from Solingen , but the grand-daughter had no knowledge of him being a POW. However, the family was always tight lipped about his background, which was most likely a biproduct of the times (as a German ex-pat in 1930s and 1940s America who is trying to be a successful attorney, he seems to have kept a tight lid on his German army service history). The mystery continues... Chris, yes, they were prolific razor makers and the Ern name is associated with high quality. I've searched around some of the online auction sites and it's easy to find them!

He's from the Solingen area. In fact, his last name is Ern and his family business is one of the large knife, razor and scissor makers that carried the Ern name.

Hi All, I recently acquired a fine 1914 Iron Cross 2nd from the grand-daughter of the recipient. I have the soldier's name, region where he was from and what his family business was, but no information about unit, service, etc. He survived the war and immigrated to the US where he became an attorney. Is there any way to research a Great War German soldier by name and region of residence? Thanks for any input... Regards, M~

Hello all, On Chris's advice, I'll post this here in case anyone has any additional input on this wing. This one does not have the "LES INSIGNES MILITAIRES" above the Drago name and address... Any thoughts?

Hi Chris, Thanks! I will do. I did notice that my example does not have the "LES INSIGNES MILITAIRES" above the Drago & address lines.

no clues on this, guys?

Gentlemen, Would anyone be able to give a rough date estimate for these jump wings?? Thanks!!

I have a question regarding date variation as it coincided to date of award. If a person was awarded a CdG in 1918, would he have received the 14-18 variation without exception or is there any chance that a 14-16, 14-17, etc. could somehow slip through the supply chain cracks and be awarded in '18??

Hi Rogi! Will take a pic of the reverse later today! Thanks again... Mark ~