Yankee

Hello, can any member provide info on the 35th Infantry Regiment during WWl. Is this cross a 35 or 40 year? Dedication in script only a fashion for small amount of time? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks Yankee

Hi Stogieman Pity your pictures are lost forever, each inscribed piece is most unique. There is a book on the long service decoration from 1849-1989 by Jorg Steiner unfortunately it is out of print. I agree the quality is most superb & the gold and silver -gilt ones are considerably more heavy then the standard issue gilded bronze pieces. Possible with the right research you can figure out who the recipient was. I think they are scarce, have not seen too many unless they are more plentiful in Europe. Sincerely Yankee

Hi Kev That is a surprise to see a silver merit cross inscribed to the Air Force. Your piece dates from 1915-18 prior to the LUFTFAHRTRUPEN the service was called LUFTSCHIFFERABTEILUNG which came into existence in 1912. Yours is a wonderful example of superb workmanship I will put up a larger scan later this evening. Perhaps we can start a thread of only inscribed Orders, Medals & Decorations, this fascinating area of the hobby would certainly warrant such a dedicated thread. Sincerely Yankee

Thanks for the kind comment, amazingly the case is in fine shape after nearly a century. Now I need to find one from the Navy branch, curious to see how they were dedicated on the reverse. ` As a rule the infantry regiments were inscribed on the reverse center with a silver-gilt disc? Sincerely Brian

Dear Gentlemen Here is an example of a 3rd class MVK decoration awarded to the airship service. Does anybody know if the rolls still exist for this service & a list of names?

Hi Wild Card I had posted this exact one last year to be ID & nobody knew for sure why it was manufactured as such, but it was worth a shot since there are a lot of international collectors on this forum. Some very advanced collectors have examined this badge over the years and were unable to explain it. My best guess would be a prototype but that is only my feelings. A thread for the unexplained would be sometning worth considering. Thanks for your input. Sincerely Yankee

My odd ball contribution to this neat thread

18th century twins.

Hi Matthias Take a close look at post 3 and there you will find a detailed foto of the interior case, you will notice how the sword hilts sit directly on the cross. Your example would be impossible to fit into the case by Wennberg ( post 3) due to the link between the rectangular loop and sword hilt ( swords not resting directly on cross ). Take a look at your case and there should be a different layout. Possible the jeweler changed his design in last months of operation in 1915 as the case would show. Sincerely Brian

Hi Matthias Take a close look at post 3 and there you will find a detailed foto of the interior case, you will notice how the sword hilts sit directly on the cross. Your example would be impossible to fit into the case by Wennberg ( post 3) due to the link between the rectangular loop and sword hilt ( swords not resting directly on cross ). Take a look at your case and there should be a different layout. Possible the jeweler changed his design in last months of operation in 1915 as the case would show. Sincerely Brian

They were given to the aristocracy, especially the Hungarian nobility for civil service in the highest degree. There are three classes: Grand Cross Commander Knight Sincerely Brian

Hi Enzo Two sets what a fantastic surprise. Was it the norm that high ranking clergy would receive the St.Stephen? Always thought it was reserved for the nobility & royalty. Can you tell us about Cardinal Giuseppe Taliani, certainly must have been a very important figure to receive such a high honor. Thanks Sincerely Brian

Hi Enzo I didn't know there was a second edition, explains why I could not find any info on his first book. I missed that roman numeral around the first time , thanks for bringing it to my attention. Having the date 1813 only would signify that it was intended to have been awarded that year for the "wars of liberation" however the war extended into the following year and the cross was most likely shelved for that reason. Another possibility that it was going to be awarded that year ( 1813 ) and the intended high ranking recipient had already been killed prior receiving of decoration & again it was shelved. 20 reichmarks must be a kings ransom back then. Really neat piece of history Sincerely Brian

Prochazka states one being awarded to Prince Schwarzenberg in 45mm. The foto looks exacly like yours in every detail including loop & ring....

Never seen one of these before. What a wonderfully detailed cross, perhaps a special presentation to a military commander or a prototype that never got off the ground. Thanks for the view. Sincerely Brian

Hi Miguel That St. Henry is a bit scarieeee . As I recall a few weeks ago Liverpool had one in a group with the signature "F.U." looked to be a nice Saxon group but I'm no expert. I'll try later to scan you an official piece to compare & it came from Liverpool. Sincerely Yankee

What a bottle Now that would really make an interesting hobby...

Hi Enzo To see the medal and orginal chain is an absolute delight . That must be one heavy necklace, Mr "T" would be jealous of that one. Whose signature is below the bust? It would be a dream to hold one of those, you probably don't want to let go & you can always keep it under your shirt. All the best. Sincerely Brian

Impossible to identify this one as well

Interesting to note there was even a smaller amount awarded in 1848/49 by Ulbriht. As I recently learned from a fellow member they are identical to the later pieces from 1914-18. I suppose one can argue that the Ulbriht example are more rare (1848 - 49) then the Rothe issue. Think twice before selling of your St.Henry might just have one of those old ones!!!