Stu W

Hello guys, I am currently reviewing this bar with purchase in mind. This era is all new to me so any comments, no matter how basic, will be of help to me. I have five concerns: 1. Medal and ribbon condition is not even. Some near mint and some well worn. I guess he could have earned them at different times and had the bar assembled later but I don't know. 2. Metal backing plate has a heavy white powder over it. Corrosion? 3. I have been told that a Lubeck with RED feet is authentic war time and that BLACK feet, as this one has, could be either between conflicts or post 45 even. True? 4. I would have expected to see the Honor Cross almost pristine as it wasn't given out till long after the others yet it is the most heavily worn. 5. FA looks like it might have a new paint coat. As this is a learning experience for me I am going to post 7 pictures. Thanks in advance, Stu

Hello Rob, you have some nice buckles there. I'm still looking for a good horizontal style myself. As Stephen has asked about variants I thought I would show three of my favourites. Hope you don't mind the add on to your thread. Regards to all, Stu

Hello Gordon, You are indeed correct about it being a well struck item. My skill with the camera does not do it justice. When in hand you can see the detail that went into such aspects as the flowers in the beds surrounding the building. Quite remarkable for it's day I believe. Moving on...I believe that this items was struck to commemorate the spring time (1899) transfer of the coffins of Bismarck and his wife from their former resting place in a church in Varzin/Pommern into the newly built mausoleum in Friedrichsruh. This information has been provided to me by GERDAN on WAF. Regards, Stu

Hello Richard, It most certainly does help and I thank you very much. Regards, Stu

You guys need to think outside the box here...most long blade bayo's make fine watermelon cutters. They can open one up lengthways to the delight of all the kids at the picnic. (This is where I'd put the smillie face but I haven't figured out how to do that yet) Cheers, Stu

Hello, I am currently negotiating for the purchase of a group of military medals. Included in the deal are these few post war Masonic items. Although I do not collect, nor plan to keep, them it would be nice to know their value. Can anyone assist me here? Thank you in advance. Kind Regards to all, Stu

Hello, I am seeking information on this item. Opinions to date vary but it is felt that it represents the transfer of Bismarck's body from his original burial plot to his family tomb. Has anyone an opinion to the contrary or are you able to confirm? Possible value? Thanks and regards to all in advance. Stu

Hi Scott, Yes, that's what it is...thanks. Regards, Stu

Well that's interesting...the concern is the ribbon edge being white. So I went and got the ribbon out and examined it with a jewellers loop. I found that the edge is actually not white. It's red. I believe the edge color is meant to be black but a tiny strip of red is sticking out all along the way where the black failed to cover. When the light hits the edges the red appears white as it's only a few threads thick. I am going to post another picture in the hope of showing it. Regards, Stu

Scott, Thank you. I have now reviewed the linked thread and am smarter than before. Always a good thing. Regards, Stu