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Grand Cross is not Romanian Crown but rather Serb/Yugoslav St. Sava

We must remember to adjust for inflation!! When was a room in Gunzenhausen 50 DM and what would it cost today, regardless of currency used? Or take a look at collector prices versus, say, a hotel room rate in the 1930s --- a specific high profile auction catalog from that time offers surprizing insights!

The 1987 Wallis & Wallis sale auctioned off much of Col. Dodkin's collection.

Fantastic!! Would have been worth the trip. Thanks for sharing!

Yes, the 5th miniature represents membership in the Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. Based on the silver 'wings' behind the rosette, it is a commander's badge miniature. Sometime in the 1970s, the Rudolf Souval of Vienna company manufactured this insignia type. Perhaps other makers did too. The central design represents 3 loaves and 3 fishes; thus the concept of Christian religious bountiful sharing. It existed {exists?} in 5 grades + a collar but with a variety of classes: Some had crown suspensions, some crossed swords suspensions, some both, some none---may have been a laurel or oak wreath suspension as well. Besides an officer badge for breast wear with a rosette on the ribbon, a pin-back 'officer cross' was available. The commander stars looked like the body was made from an altered or enlarged Azad Hind die--with different centers, naturally. The Order could be awarded with several different color ribbons to denote different things; I cannot remember the significance of or the exact colors. In the 1970s-80s, Souval could supply the insignia to anyone who had interest, for a price, of course. Souval people reported it to be a distinction 'founded by the Archbishop of Canterbury" for award to CoE/Anglicans, and those supporting them, for various services, usually charitable work or 'good deeds'. In 1975, a CoE official attending an installation of the UK branch of the Order of St. John of Jerusalam in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem wore this order's neck-badge. By the late 1980s, no CoE officials could supply information on the award -- it may have been allowed to lapse, replaced by another decoration or it may still exist. An article on this Order was submitted to the "Medal Collector" [now JOMSA] in 1975-6 but apparently never appeared in print. The gist of the article appears above. The first miniature in this group has been identified as any number of ephemeral awards including 'Order of St. John and St. Eugene', 'Order of the (Christian Crusaders?) of Tiberias', Order of St. Angelena', and others, I'm sure. However, I've seen nothing definite in the literature or among specialists in the "ephemeral" world. Maybe someone like Stair-Sainty would have an idea. All in all, this group [if not a 'put together' by someone with some loose miniatures] reflects membership in a number of family descent or 'charitable' organizations of a popular type.

Hello Lorenzo, Yes, this is the style of mounting seen previously for royal Al Rafadhain badges, apparently for ladies if based on British traditional style/method. However, this badge appears to be a commander or grand cross [size compared to ribbon width & gc type swivel attachment to the ribbon bow]. The award in the Bacqueville case, a gilded breast badge, was sewn to the ribbon bow directly via the usual ribbon-ring found on knight and officer badges. It also had a pin-back mounting of the type seen on typical knight or officer badges sewn to the ribbon bow reverse. The other badge known to me was a knight or officer size insignia as well. Have you had any luck in finding Faisal I order insignia?

My pleasure. I should have noted 'Gardino, successor to Cravanzola, in Rome' rather than Cravanzola in Rome' among others, made first type insignia. Gardino took over Cravanzola's business before WW II--J.R. Jacob's book "Court Jewellers" has exact information. A couple of other makers including, in the 1950s, Alberti of Milan and, in the late 1990s, Guccione [mispelt but you get the idea] in Rome also come to mind. Presently, a U.S.A. eBay vendor offers a lst type Grand Cross set for about $1,000 & another has a star opening for about $400--though both stars are maker marked [and possibly have silver fineness marks], prices are too rich for my blood. You may want to look on Italian eBay for less expensive options. Without access to the order statutes at present, I don't remember whether there is a regulation difference in the size of the stars relating to the grade [grand officer versus grand cross]. However, cased grand officer sets usually have a 75-80 mm diameter star and grand crosses an 85 mm. or slightly larger diameter star. I have seen a couple of grand cross badges that are larger than the commander size badge usually attached to sashes but do not know if that is statutory. Badges attached to collars are by statute commander size. Two different types of collar are reported but the statutes describe just one--the other type may be Johnson-made samples or a fantasy. Tim is correct about the reason for the insignia change and approximate year of statute amendment but Tammann says that the statute changing the insignia format took effect in 2003. His beautiful Gardino made cased silver gilt GC set with hallmarked gold central badge and star five pointed stars did not sell at the 2008 UBS Geneva auction; the reserve price [including auction commission & delivery] was about $550. For a while, the President of Italy website supplied information on the country's awards. I have not checked that recently.

Early [1951-late '60s] Italian Merit Order commander badges are usually made of gilded silver and usually so marked on the bottom edge of the lower cross arm or top cross arm edge. Cravat loops may also be marked. Special order ones, made at the honoree's expense, were available in 14 & 18 k gold & so marked in same places. Gold ones are very delicate and easily deformed. Rarely, a maker's mark will appear near the silver [gold] fineness mark. Later ones are usually made of bronze gilt and not maker marked. Your vendor should be able to tell you if this piece is marked. Early cases [green] have the Italian arms in thin metal attached to the outer lid, later ones have it stamped in gilt like this one. Makers include Johnson, Cravanzola, & Ponzi all of Rome among others. Often the interior case lid has a gilt stamped maker's label. Your vendor should be able to tell you if the case is marked. A relatively common decoration that appears not to be copied in the commander grade yet, the price ranges from US$145-$200 with case regardless whether silver or bronze gilt, maybe $300-$350 in gold. An uncased bronze gilt commander with miniature & lapel pin but no case sold at the OMSA convention for $140; a silver-gilt one with case & miniature but no lapel pin went for $170. Very poor copies of knight and officer badges exist; these may have the letter "C" on the reverse lower arm.

In a word, no. This insignia type was (is?) on offer at a few Russian and Polish museum shops and was often sold as a 'Russian Grand Priory-Emperor Paul St. John badge'. Some such shops had the more usual SMOM insignia for sale with the same description. In point-of-fact, this insignia is also of a type mainly but not exclusively used by various King Peter of Yugoslavia protected, proposed, successor, or otherwise related Orders of St. John. Another St. John group claiming protection by a non-verified member of the House of Savoy uses (d?) the same insignia. The iconography of the Serb/Yugoslav St. Sava type eagles or a Russian eagle with the Savoy arms hints at the fonts of honor. Both of the above mentioned groups [among many others] usually claimed 'descent' from the Russian Emperor Paul Order of Malta grandmaster theory. I will not get into justifications or variations; enough ink and webspace has already been consumed over the issue. By now, other St/ John groups may use this insignia. Ready for a firestorm of comment? Or maybe not, as the topic has been beaten to death repeatedly. If one accepts that the SMOM with extraterroritial status based at Via dei Condotti 68, Rome == see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta for example == is a or the 'legitimate' successor to the Order of Malta that held sovereign territory [Malta] until defeated and dissolved by Napoleon in 1798 is in fact a sovereign entity, many books, websites and other media completely describe the range of past and current SMOM insignia. The Order of St. John is perhaps the best example of convuluted 'history', confused interpretation, reformed or reconstituted entities, and downright fakery involved with persons organized to do good, those 'questing for personal recognition' and the honors for sale game. Parties from royalty to distinguished churchmen from self-proclaimed princes to reclusive crackpots have and continue to involve themselves in Order of St. John organizations, offshoots and fakes. Many St. John entities strongly support charities, ambulance services, hospitals, and so on. The SMOM, in my opinion, is one of these. Google search reveals legal action against a number of St. John 'frauds' that attract often well-intentioned but uninformed persons. Some St. John entities apparently exist to satisfy their members vanity, need for recognition and desire for 'medals'.

The Federal Government of Comores reestablished this order about 20 years ago. The motto ring inscription [in French] now generally omits the word Royal. Check Ed Emering's or the Comoro Gov't website.

An interesting group, congratulations! Ferdinand abdicated in 1918, medals with his effigy supposedly were issued as late as 1921. This medal has the Bulgarian czarist crown so issued from either 1900 or 1908----depending on which 'expert' you consult. It is bronze or the third class but with crown, so the 5th grade of a 6 rank merit medal award system. Perhaps most useful, it has the civil ribbon---ribbon of the Order of St. Alexander. This award often compensated long serving enlisted men, government workers [like teachers with 15-20 years service], junior technical experts, & so on. Foreigners most often would get such a medal if members of a visiting or liaising group worthy of some sort of low level recognition. Ferdinand visited Germany often and lived in Coburg while in 'exile' until his death in 1944. He often awarded merit medals as a sign of appreciation for personal services [sometimes in lieu of a tip] to people ranging in rank from railway station master to personal servants. It seems clear that he continued this practice on a limited level while in 'exile'. You will find further information [coinages, makers, etc.] in Petrov, Denkov or similar specialized Bulgarian works. Books in the $15-$50 price range are only in Bulgarian, English and Bulgarian versions cost from $90-$200 and may be found on eBay.

Thank you Artan and Enzo for this wonderful image!!!----At least one Mussolini biography reports this award and identifies it as "The Collar of Albania". Unfortunately, I cannot remember which biography mentions this or the approximate year of award--likely 1935 when an Italian "gift" [reportedly 3 million gold francs] was provided to the Albanian state with the promise of further economic aid. Although I doubt it, it would be interesting to learn whether King Albert's collar is actually this bejeweled 'upswept wings' type. Klietmann suggests that his was the 'splayed wings' type made by Bertrand, and given the time frame, that appears reasonable. The insignia differences suggest that the 'upswept wings' type is of completely different manufacture, quite possibly Italian [Gardino?] especially considering the treatment of the tail feathers/talons. They clearly echo of the Skenderbeg badge design of that element. On a related note---Artan's monumental book provides a wonderful resource!!! He merits all of our cooperation and high commendation for this work . Again, thanks to you both!!

Hi Adam-- As Paul says, many makers, many variations. The crudeness of the rear finish does not put me off. I do not recall seeing this exact type but have seen a grand cross badge with the oval "shields" above the elephant heads separately applied. You mention the lack of metal work under the enamel leaves--Often there are also stirations in the metal under the elephant head red "cloths" as well. What size is this badge---60 mm.? Are there hallmarks on the cravat ring? Is the enamel is hard [fired] or "cold" [epoxy]. Does the main badge part appear to be silver? Looks it. An interesting item in any case!

Bob, that decoration is a Zog type Skenderbeg officer grade badge.

The September-October JOMSA [pp 35-39] contains a 5 page illustrated article on Seychelloise {?} military {?} awards. Although the piece lacks specific regulatory or administrative information, the photos may be useful.

Excellent Job!! Great to have the documents too! Hope that you have an opportunity to obtain additional parts of this group!

Very nice, renown jeweler, are there hallmarks or a maker's mark?

Ulsterman, Thanks for posting this great pix! I do not know the officer's identity but note the commander's badge worn below his Phoenix [military] commander appears to be that of the Order of St. Denis of Zante. This is only the second photo I have seen [in over 50 years!] of a serving Greek officer wearing this Order. Quite interesting that the officer wears it along with his Greek official decorations. Perry [Pericles] Voultsos established the Order of St. Denis of Zante, a "private or international award", in the U.S.A. in the 1950s. Voultsos presented the Order to many prominent individuals including American Presidents and King Paul in efforts to legitimate it. Perry also 'awarded' it to less well known in return for monetary contributions intended to be used in reliving poverty on the Greek island of Zante. Several websites describe the Order of St. Denis of Zante in varying terms of accuracy and 'legitimacy'. Reportedly, Thomas Taglianetti now heads this Order.

Hi Adam, To the best of my knowledge, all badges are gilt. Some made of silver were poorly gilded and may appear to be just silver. In the angles and 'crannies' of this piece there appears to be traces of gilding. Exact enamel colors and placement [i.e. on the leaves] are subject to the manufacturer's pattern but most major makers stuck to identifiable general formats in this respect. On this one, do you see any manufacturer marks? [i do not.] It looks like the suspension ball was applied separately and not cast as part of the badge--that may be a good sign. The ribbon ring is not soldiered together which may indicate that it's a replacement or that this a a cheaply made, perhaps modern, piece. Some old French-made pieces and some Southeast Asian made ones have many of the details "cut-out" including tusks and leaf edges. The ribbon may be a replacement or not--it looks more crude than French ribbon, even modern made French ribbon. This equivocal answer may not be of much use to ooyu --I'd think you would have to see the piece in hand to make a more accurate estimation!

Claudio, again, many many thanks for this additional information!! It is great that a well-illustrated book on the Mannerheim [personal] museum is now available--apparently in an English edition as well. He was a fascinating personality and brilliant statesman and soldier. Without your postings, this would remain an obscure subject for us all!

Claudio, Thank you for this wonderful tour!! Great photos. Did you happen to visit Mannerheim's house? Some years ago, his decorations were displayed in a beautiful presentation there but no photos were allowed then.

Thank you Megan for these illustrations!

Thank you Megan and Emmanuel!!

Thank you, Megan! Any ideas on the manufacturer?

As Paul says, many different types or styles exist for this order. Quality ranges from the sublime to shop 1 class! Bertrand will still make insignia with about the same quality as Alex's piece for a price. Nowadays, however, the enamel may be replaced with resin. Jeff Jacob's book, Ed Emmering's research, and John Sylvester's works list 3-4 French and several Lao or Viet manufacturers. French colonial related websites also illustrate insignia and provide additional information. Some Lao-made pieces appear to be rubberized pot metal with painted 'enamel'. John had an old likely Lao-made commander badge with very well fashioned metal work and with a contured reverse. That is, it looked like the maker had a relief badge matrix and delicately hammered a thin silver plate over that die. That particular piece had a small rectangular plate with the Lao or Viet maker's name attached. Given that knight [at least] badges are reasonably available, hard to understand why make a repo unless one had the dies in hand.