Peter J

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the feedback, but I have to disagree. Chris's Narvik is definately not a Juncker, which is easily identified by the wing-tips sitting above the horizontal bar. I insist that Chris's shield is of the so called Deumer design, with a reservation that it might be from a different manufacturer.

cheers

Peter

I hear you Scott, it's a thin line to walk. However this is pretty much "common" knowledge and once Pascal's book will hit the stores, the fakers will have a field day.

cheers

Peter

Here a clue how to comprehend what I'm saying. Save the image, open it up and increase the magnification. It will then be apparent that the "4" is smaller than the "0", especially if one compare the two shields next to each other. The general consensus amongst collectors disqualifies this as a fake.

cheers

Peter

And that's why this forum is so great, sharing knowledge

cheers

Peter

Ok Chris, I'll give it another try in case I was vague. N's Narvik is a "small 4"-fake and you have an excellent original Deumer.

cheers

Peter

Hi N.

That's better Here are a few spots to consider, when comparing it with Chris's original shield.

cheers

Peter

Ribbon bow with EK 1914 device.

cheers

Peter

This is a long shot, don't even know if it's 3rdR related, other than the sun-wheel. I've searched the letters, but I'm pretty sure it's not related to any Pacific island Perhaps it's an American badge (American ? Union).

cheers

Peter

reverse

"I think the heavy early drooptail eagles are the most wonderful eagles there're.., but that's probably because I'm a Summer eagle fan.."

I tend to agree and the original price wasn't too bad. It's difficult to see, but it actually reads 2.60

cheers

Peter

Hi Hardy,

Those were my also my concerns, as well as the awkward catch, which I don't believe St.&L would use. Either way, your other bronze Reiter is an excellent piece

cheers

Peter

Very nice Hardy. However I do think the Reiter in post #4 leaves room for some consideration.

cheers

Peter

Hi Robert,

I tried a search as well, but made no progression. Sport related doesn't seem too far fetched (i.e. Deutsches Sport Verein- or Verband), but then again it would be a separate organisation next to the DRL. How about Deutsches Segler Verband?

cheers

Peter

And finally a 55mm with sash.

cheers

Peter

reverse

Here are three decorations and one miniature, all with minor differences in regards of measures and execution.

Brian, I need to make an adjustment to my earlier statement, in regards of the 1921 2nd class. Here's the correct obverse design, the figure of Christ giving blessing should be standing to the right. I have no explaination as to why my miniature differs or why the letter T is missing. Perhaps it's not Polish manufactured and the design wasn't fully known.

cheers

Peter

2nd image

Hi Brian,

Nice looking cross . Here's some additional information.

The first institution of this decoration was in January 1921, three classes plus a special grade, issued to towns, societies and associations. The first class can be seen on the first enclosed image. The reverse was plain with the engraving"Zasludze" (merit) and the 38mm ribbon was intense red with a 2mm white stripe on each side, 1 1/2 mm from the edge. It was worn

from a special brooch of white enamel, upon which were 3 red crosses.

The 2nd class (image #2 but miniature) was a 41mm silver medal. However on the regular size the letters on the reverse, PCK, should read PTCK (Polski Tawrczystwo Czerwonego Krzyza). I don't know why the letter T is void on my mini. Also there should be ball suspension and the engraver's name "Wabinski on the lower right of the reverse. The ribbon was the same as the 1st class, but suspended from a barrette.

The 3rd class identical to the 2nd, but in bronze

The special grade was 112 x 87mm, same in design as that of the 2nd and 3rd grades and probably a non-partable award.

In 1928, the decoration was changed by a decree of the Persident of the Republic, originally date Sept. 1, 1927.

The 1st class (31mm) was similar to your's, but void of rays coming out from the right and left cross arm. The rays consisted of one full cluster, flanked by two half clusters. The eagle had a crown on his head and the reverse was plain with the letters PCK in a semi-circle around the top and the word "Zasludze in a horizontal position. The ribbons were 37mm watered white silk moire with a 4mm red side stripe, 1mm from each edge.

The 2nd class was a gilt 30mm medal with a thick laurel wreath, bound at the bottom. Within the wreath is a red enamelled cross with a silver eagle upon it. Ribbon as above.

The 3rd class was a 26mm silver cross. A red enamelled cross is above is above a small eagle from the Polish Arms. To the left and right is a laurel branch. Ribbon as above.

The 4th class, identical to the 3rd class, but in bronze. Ribbon as above.

The statutes were changed once again in Apr. 1939. All classes remained the same, with a few alterations.

1st class, gilt 37mm cross with 47mm rays (now extending outside the left and right arm and increased in numbers, total 24) and a 18mm ring. The ribbon is white rossette. (I assume the extension of the rays on the 1st class was identical to the other classes, but I have no documentation to confirm it).

2nd class, gilt 30mm cross with 37 1/2 mm rays and 15mm ring.

3rd class, as 2nd class but in silver.

4th class, as 2nd class but in bronze.

There are some uncertain aspects i.g. the presence of laurel leaf ring on a specific grade, but the documents of the history of the awards were lost during the fighting of Warsaw in 1939. Any additional info is greatly appreciated.

cheers

Peter

Most appreciative It also provides logic for this combination

cheers

Peter

This one we refer to as the triple threat.

One question, is the cross on the left a decoration awarded solely to females?

cheers

Peter

Thanks Jani. Here's an image illustrating it's unusual bar. Is this a unique style or are there other Finnish decorations with this type?

cheers

Peter

Hi Kevin,

Of course you're correct, a sudden attack of brain glitch What I meant to say was that it's not a typical Finnish style of bar. Thanks for giving the cross an official name

cheers

Peter

Here's a rather unusual Finnish decoration, with a medal bar generally associated with USSR. Anyone care to comment?

cheers

Peter

Thanks Rick Your guess is as good as mine.

cheers

Peter