Yankee

That depends upon if you are willing to defend yourself and your property.

Hi Wild Card Will keep that in mind thanks for that. I agree all badges except the 4th class should be in gold not silver-gilt even the exiled examples. I came across only one copy in gold of a commander grade and it was rather crude as you pointed out rightly the intricate design would be a stumbling block to the vast majority of forgers. Strange that there would be not much interest for it is a most beautifully designed order, perhaps most collectors aim for the Empire era. Still they are hard to come by in any class.. Sincerely Brian

It is most disturbing that a fellow human would murder another for a medal. One German online dealer has a site for crime and it is shocking . In the States I don't think we have that problem, perhaps the bad guys have no desire to cross oceans or face the possibility of Americans keeping guns in their homes. Under your scenario vaults are meaningless and you have a valid point. Let us hope the bad guys don't come ashore.

Hi Wild Card Many thanks for posting both fine examples of a British and German made one to compare. I always knew the size and the Roman numerals was a factor in dating the era but never realized the blue enamel in the background of the motto was also key It a very old order and as you rightly point out there were many jewelers and I supppose many local ones as well producing their own taste & interpreatation of design which would explain all the slight variations. I assume many were reissued since it was cheaper then making a new batch of insignia. Thanks again Sincerely Brian

Hi Wild Card Many thanks for posting both fine examples of a British and German made one to compare. I always knew the size and the Roman numerals was a factor in dating the era but never realized the blue enamel in the background of the motto was also key It a very old order and as you rightly point out there were many jewelers and I supppose many local ones as well producing their own taste & interpreatation of design which would explain all the slight variations. I assume many were reissued since it was cheaper then making a new batch of insignia. Thanks again Sincerely Brian

Hi Veteran disregard a closer foto, it is an 1815 type. Just curious what are the measurements in mm, these early badges are smaller then the 1839 type.

Hi Veteran You can date it from the reverse. The Roman numerals will either be MDCCCXXXIX EAR initials in center reverse Hannover award or MDCCCXV GR initials in center reverse for English/Hannover award. Very seldom knights they can be found dated by the actual year when manufactured. Nice badge I can't clearly make out your reverse with date, perhaps a larger scan would help. Sincerely Brian

Thats a good one " Lord Ashcan " really funny. Cornering the market big time!!!!!!!!!! For that much money you can own a cinema.

Hi Christian As I understand to the British Navy, perhaps a few found there way to the British Army. The arms are enamel and of the same high quality as the other pre 1917 grades of the order. Unfortunately very little info is out there on this scarce decoration. Sincerely Brian

Hi Ivan Fascinating to learn that two of the Zealous Service were with brilliants. Any idea if they were worn around the neck or on the breast. Perhaps a foto of one of the gentlemen is wearing his decoration. By any chance would you have the rolls for the 1877/78 medal or where it would be located to identify the owner. Sincerely Brian

Hi Miguel Thanks for informing me, your early Roumanian bravery bar is superb don't see too many of those around. Come to think of it, dont see many bulgarian bars. Any idea why that is compared to the other Balkan countries. Sincerely Brian

Sorry about that thought to have one large picture and instead two small ones opppppssss

Thanks Haynau for that , more info then what I had before. Luckily this one could be Identified. To find the Iron Crown's W/Swds & Kd are nearly impossible more so then the Leopold, perhaps in bronze gilt more likely. Any idea on number issued for the 3rd class Iron Crown & Leopold W/Swds & Kd? Sincerely Brian

Yes yes an absolutely wonderful site , even goes to the regimental commanders. Unfortunately von Felix is not listed, he was commanding a Field Howitzer Regiment No 6 in 1912 & 31 Field Howitzer Brigade in 1915. Glen has the commanders listed in 1914 and a great many Generals with career details.

Cross from von Felix

Dear Gentlemen I'm hoping a member might have some detailed information on FML Adalbert von Felix commanded Vl Corps late in the war. Only have very limited info, very difficult to learn something of his service. Sincerely Yankee

Hi Enzo That is no ordinary velcro but after close examination sure enough orginal pure white Czarist velcro which certainly justifies the quarter million price. Let us just hope that these investors stay in the Russian arena and not spread to other Empires or it will be the end to the majority of us collectors . Luckily it is only Russia having an oil based economy and not the rest of Europe.... Brian

Hi Rick At best was hoping to get a little info on the regiment itself, never occured to me in my wildest dreams that the service cross could be identified to the recipient. The recipient must have been greatly adored by his comrades to be given the decoration in gold or a sign of great respect to their commanding officer which could be likely given to.

Hello All Any member have info on line regiment No 71 Galgotzy they can share please. Thanks Yankee

Hi Enzo Congratulations in obtaining that fantastic group Really great that you were able to rescue the remainder of the group from the wrecking ball. All too often they get broken up. Thinking there easier to sell, unfortunately on high ticket items in a group there dispersed even more. Very seldom to see an Austrian group that can be identified. I have seen a copy of the book on the Franz Joseph recipients a bit like 5 telephone books stacked on top of one another, excellent source for all individuals are wearing full uniforms & decorations. Thanks for sharing. Sincerely Brian

Right you are, strictly Navy. Found this neat bar with a little bit of search.

Hi Veteran Fascinating you are able to get some names, great luck that the roles still exist from an early period. I agree too that ever so few of these crosses ever come up. Last one to have seen was in the Morton&Eden Part 1 2006 from the ANS collection and that also is a marked example from the early 19th century unfortunately I missed that one . Prior to that Leopold do not remember one coming up for sale. This one was 28mm, have seen them as small as 25mm & these are knight size badges. The reverse clasp ( triangle ) is neat to say the least & to have the full orginal ribbon is beyond words . When you learn the identity please let us know. Good luck.. Sincerely Brian

Hi George If the assayer is with the gold content mark, then the "AK" on the reverse side of the arm would be only for Kiebel. Now I know exactly, thanks for that info Sincerely Brian

Hi Igor Thanks for that , this never occured to me. Any idea in what numbers they were issued or just as scarce as a Saint Anne for Non-Christians. Were they issued in both gold & siver-gilt? Sincerely Brian