Yankee

Good to know, other countries in Europe participated as well with that number in silver-gilt? Usually it is common to see gold stamped 750 in Europe for us it would be 18k and 585 for lower grade. Thanks

750 is a gold mark and your Crown is extremely rare. Yes all things possible most likely a weathly fellow ordered it to his taste.

Hi 922F i appreciate you explaining to me in detail the role of individuals who perform doing job lots. So basically there just as complicit as the manufacturers themselves. These are the ones who are putting the finishing touches in securing there sales to unsuspecting collectors. I never knew about the banderolls behind the Crown being possibly compromised. That is an excellent point you bring out if there raised or not. I feel too many plow right into the hobby without enough information and indirectly support or fuel the production of fakes. I find it strange why the European Governments didn’t put them behind bars or punish them with stiff fines. I read an article on the CWRS that two or maybe more British citizens had a machine created to having medals impressed just like the originals not even the experts could tell them apart. They went to jail and luckily for collectors of British they were caught early in their scam. Nice the Rothe dies are floating somewhere. So let us hope they are being utilized as paper weights.....or fell into the hands of a good person who wants them secured.

Hi 922F That is fascinating that your term job lots ( job lotters)would be applicable to our hobby. As you explain it makes total sence for the manufacturer of fakes. I just didn’t realize our hobby was that big, but as you wisely stated having the forgers only release a few so not to flood the market. I didn’t know about Frankenstein parts being put together on such a large scale. What is worse is the taking of a genuine star such as a Black Eagle or Red Eagle which is than destroyed by putting a fraudulent belt around it. I never knew that Rothe would put a different jewelers name to their work. Luckily the other jewelers had their own variations but only a seasoned A-H collector would be able to sort it out. These days I see many A-H pieces stamped CF ROTHE as being placed to the time of the Monarchy when clearly they are not. I don’t think these were intended to be fakes just replacement copies in the post war. I don’t even know if the quality is the same as a war or pre war issue...Thanks

Hi Graf Yes that is exactly what I meant. It seems the one being offered at auction has the swds a bit more raised over cross then the one you provided. Perhaps they are silver plate so I doubt they are of high quality. I don't know the difference or if anybody knows the difference of a 6th class from Alexander's time to the early years of Prince Ferdinand. Pictured is a 6th class of a solid silver example that was probably a private purchase. Unless all the early ones were made of solid silver with the bulbous arms. This one is a two part construction, most likely for the 1877 War. It looks identical to your gilded one however the swds on reverse I think were detailed. Thanks

Actually your correct there is a solid gold one with crown that I suspect was reserved for royalty. Since year 2000 have only seen once and that was at a auction in GB. I don’t think there is a solid gold one without crown or bronze as well. Take a look at the next Kuenker auction there is a bunch of fine Bulgarian being offered. Good luck Yankee

Fantastic pieces you guys have. In the next Kuenker auction there is a nice collection of Saint Alexander from different periods. There is a 6th class swds above the cross with only 10 being awarded Have only seen one other from that period and that was over a decade ago. No idea if they make copies in that grade.

Nevermind it was it was in the ANS

Hi Paul The Austrian made Rose have hallmarks or some other indication that led you to put the manufacture as A-H? The reason asking is recently acquired such an example having 34mm of high quality and assumed French origin. Have you access to that foto still? It never occurred to me that I could have a Rothe or Mayer made one. Thanks Brian

Hi Igor Thank you for bringing the battle of Shipka to my attention, fascinating to know that the Russian authorities gave all who participated a silver medal I suppose for having achieved a tremendous victory. Appreciate showing those fine early bars that also belong to the heroes of Shipka. Came across this fine early group from the same time period as the Bulgarian bars. Interesting to note that their medal placements were connected to a clip on the reverse. One does not come across early Romanian groups often so can't say if this was a common practice.

Hi Graf That is a good point you make with him, should have been given the Bravery Order before he put those commemorative medals on the bar which came at a later date. Then the info provided by Igor confirms your accurate views of him being an enlisted man. Thanks

Hi Graf The reason I was thinking that the bar had the possibility of belonging to an officer was the award of the Russian medal in silver. Clearly he should have received the Russo/Turkish in bronze. Perhaps he was promoted to officer later & received the medal at that time. I suppose this fine group would be impossible to identify.

What would be the rank according to this brave man's bar?

Great Eye Vision

Appreciate the search Gentlemen I suppose there can't be more than a handful in existence today. I wonder about the depiction on the reverse if that is the Tree of Life. It is wonderfully executed and a lot of thought had gone into its design. Perhaps it is similar to the Portugese Yellow Fever medal of 1858 in way of award criteria such as doctor, nurse volunteer. They were both given for humanitarian services in their respective capitals. Wonder if other Empires, Kingdoms, Duchies, Principalities had issued medals for such circumstances. If so please mention. Thanks Brian