Yankee

Hi Scottplen Very nice Saxon/Bulgarian bar & to have the signature of maker is certainly a plus since so many are found without. Sincerely Yankee

Hi Mike Thanks for that. I guess they would be rare now since there are more fakes then orginals out there. All the best. Sincerely Brian

Hi Mike Thanks for that. I guess they would be rare now since there are more fakes then orginals out there. All the best. Sincerely Brian

Barry is a good guy and certainly should be made aware so he can take proper action. Only experts such as RAO ( his area ) could catch this, even dealers can get fooled. Luckily they are kind enough to share their knowledge in the collector community & we are able to learn from them in their field of expertise.

Hello Gentlemen Is GST 451 on page 5 also suspect? In regards to Red Eagle 3rd class GST 182 page 9 is that also suspect that RAO can't identigy Eagle. I ask of this so I or any memeber don't in the future trip on one of these false designs. Sincerely Yankee

Hi SPM Thanks for confirming this sad news. I have seen some with a very bright yellow gold and a shine to the white enamel perhaps that is a indication of recent manufacture. The Red Eagle maker marks I suppose would be most easy to forge since it is a simple initial on the arm. Just amazed somebody would go through the trouble of making a bar and sticking bad pieces, now 3rd class pieces could be suspect on a bar. Sincerely Yankee

Hello RAO Just learned something knew, never imagined 4th classes would be copied. Thought that was reserved for the higher grades. Is this the same situation for the 3rd class Red Eagle in gold as well? Lately have seen plenty of 3rd class examples & now not so certain of orginality. If there are fakes in 3rd class are the copies easy to spot or more difficult then the 4th class examples. Thanks Sincerely Yankee

I was unable to find it any of my books, so it must be as you say. It is a very well smart designed, detailed medal that I think is the bust of Luitpold. Very nice bar Thanks to post the fine examples. Sincerely Brian

Hi Scottplen What is the last medal on the bar?

Many kind thanks for pointing out what material the swords should be made from. Your foto is absolutely well detailed, can see clearly that Wennberg piece is clearly superior in quality then the other firms. I guess prior to WWl the jewelers didn't look to cut corners. Sincerely Brian

Hi Matthias Many thanks for your kind help in correcting me, bringing excellent detailed research into this topic. I just assumed that the order and case was a match since it was purchased together and a good fit. Are the Otto Wenning examples of the knight 2nd class swords in gold too or just the cross? By chance have you a picture of a Wenning example that you can share. Enjoyed touring your neat web site. Just read your excellent article on the St. Henry medal which was most informative in clearing up my confusion with Rothe era examples. The St.Henry medal 1848-9 is identical to the 1914-18? Thank you. Sincerely Brian

Hi Wild Card Thanks for the close up shot of the maker. I was amazed to see Rothe being the maker, were there any other makers from the 1866 & 1870 wars? Sincerely Yankee

Post 1866

Hi Miguel The quality is excellent, more detailed then majority of the post WWl gold examples floating around. If it is gold, there would be hallmarks on the ring & loop prior 1866. Sincerely Brian

Hello Gentlemen As I have discovered Austrian Hallmarks can be a very complex topic. It seems after 1866 they were introduced & after WWl still continued however different markings. Can anybody say for certain if the tax release stamp FR in a diamond punch are always to be found on post WWl examples or they can be found on orginal orders as well. The FR tax release stamp with rectangular punch are always to be pre 1921 & F.R (period in between) tax release with rectangular punch to be from 1866-72 period. I know FR gets confused with the firm Rothe on some sale lists which should not be the case... Any info would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely Yankee

Identical pattern for sure. Hi Wild Card your PM box is full

Hello Gentlemen I'm no expert on Czarist shoulder boards, anybody say if this uniform belonged to an officer and is this style belonging to an elite guard regiment? Thanks Yankee

Right you are, good eyes the Military Merit or Civil Merit of Tuscany. Issued on a red ribbon with black stripes. I'll try to find a foto later to post.

Found an old picture that was taken in a Paris museum, thought the members would enjoy seeing this bar. Have no clue if this is the orginal uniform to the bar. Am I correct to think this bar is impossible to trace back to the owner?

Hi Veteran Rothe produced a great many foreign pieces, for how many other European Nations I'm not sure. It is known that the King of Hannover in exile ( post 1866 ) had Rothe produce the orders. Grand Duke of Tuscany too had his orders manufactured by Rothe also in exile. I have not seen a case by Rothe for a Guelph so I have no physical proof. However have seen a case for the Ernst August knight with Rothe stamped inside. If any member has a cased Guelph made by Rothe please scan to this topic Sincerely Brian

Hi Guys At first I thought the badge might have been converted to breast wear, it would not be the first time. Not too long ago I picked up a Greek Redeemer commander ( Otto 1 ) and it was hung from a officers ribbon w/rosette. It was only the size that led me to know what class it was truely, for the officer & knight are fairly small. I see your point about the ribbon ring not turned, perhaps this particular jeweler made a mistake. After learning the badge might be a silver-gilt example instaed of gold, I now think it is a knight that was manufactured post 1866 in exile. It could very well be a Rothe made example, there quality was superb in the post 1866 and it would explain the size and not being gold. What I can't explain is the date on the reverse, for the jeweler did not do his homework or he just had a ton of spare parts.... The quality is certainly there so you have a good Guelph not to worry about a copy. Unfortunately I have not handled enough Guelphs to give you a better answer. Beautiful badges Wild Card & Veteran, you never get bored looking at them. Sincerely Brian

Hi Veteran Thanks for your kind comment. I must say your measurements are a surprise. You might just have a commander grade. Perhaps Wild Card can comment on that, he might have a much clearer answer. Sincerely Brian

Actually Ed this is no joke, last year there was a home invasion a few blocks away from where I live and the owner took it upon himself to shoot the criminals first or be at there mercy. Let us pray we are never faced with a break in over medals.......