Ian

Thank you both for the help. I don' think I will ever get a positive ID for Herr Doktor. Can either of you tell me what the cross is just below the FJO, but above the Red Crosss decoration?

This Oberstabartz has defied identification for a long time. I would have thought with the decorations he is wearing that he would stand out like a sore thumb ( I have a 1918 Jahrbuch fur Miliatartze), but no luck! Even friends in Austria have be unable to decipher his name and as a consequence I am gratefuil for any help. Regards, Ian

Rick, Wow! I never figured his first name was Hugo, but how you managed to decipher Nedjela out of the scribble I will never know. I doffs my hat to you Sir! many thanks, Ian

Artillery Kadettkorpal jacket circa 1890

Can any one help me identify this Oberstleutnant please. His first name might be Gregor/Georg or I might be totally wrong.

I have been researching the U-Boat badge for some time and here is a short version of some of that research. The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy (K.u.K. Kriegsmarine) adopted a distinctive badge for wear by the crews, but excluding officers, of their submarines in October 1910. (Verordnungsblatt No.48 dated 15th October 1910). The badge measured approx 56mm high x 36mm wide, was silver in colour and consisted of the letters U and B either side of a fouled anchor. The badge was awarded after having completed at least one voyage as a member of a submarines crew. No written or photographic evidence has been located to indicate that the badge was issued to Officers. (Happy to be corrected). Photographs showing Officers wearing the U-boat qualification badge are post World War I, and indeed, most show former Austro-Hungarian Officers/sailors serving in the German Kriegsmarine during World War II. Konteradmiral Paul Meixner is often seen in wartime photos wearing his Austro-Hungarian U-Boat badge. The official issue badges were die struck and featured a full length, wide ‘Spange’ mount or clip. This type of mounting arrangement was common to most Austro-Hungarian period badges. The badge was made of brass (thio metal?) and was silver in colour. One known maker of this badge is BSW (Bruder Schneider Wien). Jewellers made pieces were also available for private purchase. Note: The badge continued to be manufactured after 1918 and well into the 1950’s by the firm of Rothe of Vienna (other jewellery companies may also have manufactured thebadge). These badges were produced to satisfy those veterans who required replacement pieces. The badges were generally manufactured with a needle pin and catch arrangement. Regards, Ian

Uwe, Many thanks. (Most) English language sites i visited after your orignal answer have him as Karl and not Carl. Obviosuly a mistake on their part. Ian

Uwe, Thank you. By closing one eye and squinting with the other I can now see Karl Albrecht in the signature block. I was thinking that the 'K' was actually an 'L' or a 'J'. Regards, Ian

Whilst working on some stuff regarding the House of Habsburg I came across the signature of one of the younger Erzherzogs and I am hoping that some one on this site can tell me his name?

Generalmajor Georg Freiherr von Scheither – Pour Le Merite (PLM) 14 Nov1814 Generalmajor Joseph Freiherr Rossner/Rosener/Roszner von Rosenegg/Roseneck - PLM 19 Mar1814 for Magdeburg 9 Nov 1813 Heinrich Freiherr Schabitz v. Löwenfeld?? As far as I can tell they were not awarded the MMTHO.

This particular badge can be difficult to find and can fetch a hefty price. I guess the bidders will set the price they are prepared to pay if you were to sell it on eBay.

KFA = Kriegs Fürsorge Amt - War Welfare Office

Hi, Can anyone put a name to this Bundesheer Generalmajor please. Ian

Linasl, The badge is a 'patriotic' badge for the city of Vienna.

Rotmeister, Thank you for the information.

If my memory serves me correctly these pins are from the (2nd) Republic.

Christophe, Many thanks for the additional information, this just what I was after. I have only just started to get into Imperial German Officers and their careers and am struggling in trying to get information. Regards, ian

Front of the photo

Glenn, Thank you for the information. It must be Hauptmann Carl-Wilhelm v. Scharfenort as opposed to the Oberstleutant that I thought he was. Do you happen to have any history on his seniority and wartime service? I finally managed to scan a copy of the reverse of the photo I thought was Carl-Wilhelm von Scharfenort, but now I am not so sure. Cheers, Ian

I am hoping that some one will be kind enough to supply a first name for either or both of these gentlemen (other service information gratefully received as well). Oberstleutnant von Carlowitz - I think he was the Kmdt. Reserve Infanterieregiment Nr.103 (part of the 46 Reserve Infantry Brigade; 23 Reserve Division);and Oberstleutnant von Scharfenort - who I have listed as Kmdt Grenadier Regiment Kronprinz (1.Ostpresssischen) Nr.1. I have checked on-line with out luck and I do not have access to any period reference publications. Cheers, Ian

Thank you explanation Demir.

I wonder what, if any, significance should be attached to the wearing of the TWM on the right side of her cape? Why not with or below her Ottoman Red Cresent medal?

I am no expert, but I find it hard to beleive that the Signum Laudis would have worn on any ribbon other than the peace time red or wartime red/white laddered with which they would have been awarded. IMO some one at some time has added the current (incorrect) ribbon . Ian

I think you will find the last two award ribbons are for the state of Styria (post 1920 awards?). Styria is located in the south east corner of the Austrian Republic. I don't have my reference material with me at the moment. Cheers, Ian

Hi, It is a 'uklanka' for a staff officer of the Uhlan. Regards, Ian