Alex K

Hi all, one which captured my imagination as a B/W image, an unknown postwar ritterkreuztrager in the Bundeswehr, does anyone actually know who he may be? regards Alex K

Now that is real eye candy Alex K

Hi Paul thanks for the comments, the piece although difficult to see on my scans is clearly gilded, what appears to be all over. As to value I admit, it is academic as I am not in the process of disposing of it, it was just a case of trying to establish authenticity, I believe that it quite a rare decoration awarded for a very few short years, this should not be confused with the post 1945 versions which lost the Crown. thanks Alex K

Hi all, a bit of advice if I may request, I have had the attached Commander class order of the white lion in my collection for a number of years. It appears completely authentic, but I've noticed on the few other examples I've seen that the Centre lion always appears silver or silvered, my copy does not have this, there is no sign that any silver finish has been lost or that there was any in the first place, the whole item appears a natural gilt, is this normal or do I have another clunker. There are no visible hallmarks that I can see. If genuine, any value?? attached images, my own and one borrowed from "Najafcoins" website just to show the differences, The first is from Najafcoins and the other two are my scans regards Alex K

Only for those inexperienced or who do not do research first. There is a wealth of experience here at GMIC (And other forums) who can provide good advice. People who peddle this type of rubbish do so in the knowledge that there will always someone, somewhere that will believe it.

What an incredible Set! An Unbelievable item! 1813 Grand Knights Iron Cross with Silver Oakleaves Swords and diamonds marked "900", Godet Berlin Germany One of the very Highest Awards of WW1 awarded - these were personally awarded by the Kaiser. These items are beautiful Collectables and a league of their own - no eastern european repro junk. finest quality, as you will notice once holding these magificent items in hands. Auction is for the Grand cross, the oakleaves and the award box ribbon only - the papers or boxes are not included. please note that "oakleaves, swords and diamonds, refers to the level of award. the item is not made with real oakleaves, not with real swords and not with real diamonds. the original was not made with real diamonds neither. this is historically correct! thanks Existing Originals are either lost, stolen, in private collections or museum locked! This is collectors only alternative Complete B*llshit. Grand Cross one piece modern casting and badly painted, oaks etc, several degrees worse, and never existed at the time of the 1813 GC, unfortunately I suspect unfortunately someone will fall for it. The collecting world is full of such garbage. "1813 Grand Cross one of the highest awards of WWI ??" "Awarded by the Kaiser himself", presumably 101 years later. please note that "oakleaves, swords and diamonds, refers to the level of award. the item is not made with real oakleaves, not with real swords and not with real diamonds. the original was not made with real diamonds neither Because they never existed, he IS selling them as FAKE "No Eastern European repro junk*, possibly, some other country's repro junk. It is possible to continue more but seems pointless, With regards to On-line web selling sites if it looks to good to be true then the chances are that it is too good to be true, "Caveat Empor" unfortunately it can be a scammers paradise for the un-initiated, Sites like GMIC can offer those new or unsure in the collecting field providing a great wealth of knowledge collected over many years, in all fields of military collecting. Sorry to drone on but these individuals annoy me regards Alex

Hi Nice decoration, I personally think that it may be by Bertrand of Paris, even if an earlier version rather than Huguenin Le Locle. I attach two in my collection, the 4th Class (Gold is by Huguenin), note the more pronounced centre medallion, The Bertrand version (5th Class sliver) whilst possibly a later version has the same flatter centre medallion similar to that posted by yourself. The reverse of both are more or less identical to yours. Any help or more confusion? regards Alex

Thanks Rick

Hi Here's a difficult one, can anyone identify what's on his ribbon bar?, I presume that since he lost all of his British decorations etc in 1919, these are all Germanic in origin. Best count I can see 15 regards Alex K

No probs, many do seek advice from other sites. The EKII has a KVK ribbon and not a EKII ribbon that in itself is not a problem, you could always source an on original EKII ribbon if you wanted to

Our original opinions appear to have been confirmed here http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676949

Oops just posted at the same time as Danny70, still we seem to have the same opinions!!!!

Certainly looks like an authentic Fritz Zimmermann, see here http://www.ek1-dna.de/-6.--fritz-zimmermann,-stuttgart-.php The case I'm not so sure about. It has the appearance of a genuine case but also shows (To me) signs of a post-war case, black flock to the interior, these were usually white and the rim around the press button, not normally found on pre-45 cases, but then again, see if others come up with something else. BTW the EKII in the photo has the wrong ribbon, that is for a KVK II Class (War Merit Cross)

On initial viewing the cross looks good and appears to be in a minty condition, unfortunately the photos could be better. As for price these can vary, possibly starting at 300USD, but await further expertise

Hi I've had very close look at the sides and the suspension ring, no visible markings and no signs of file marks which I may have expected with a cheap casting, so I'll hold my breath, thanks all for your input

Hi Rick, thanks for the reply, the comments you made, made me wonder as to the authenticity. If it's a fake then it's another one for the trashcan, fortunately I've not lost a fortune regards

Hi I've recently acquired the attached Karltruppenkreuz, It wasn't expensive, but any ideas as to it's authenticity? any help appreciated regards Alex

Are these genuine or repro? I have a IV and a V class St Sava's and would like cases for them, price does seem a bit high though

So many skeletons sit in Royal cupboards

Hi Christophe thanks Alex

Your piece seems to show the same suspension Loop as the original Order of Civil Merit, genuine or a variant I couldn't say. regards Alex

Hi Rick thanks for the comments

Hi all just purchased the last in the series of Hanseatic crosses, Lubeck, I assume it to be genuine, however comments are welcome, regards. I now have the "Set" regards Alex K

Seems he got a bum deal from his over-bloated family! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward,_Duke_of_Saxe-Coburg_and_Gotha

Hi I'm assuming you are talking about this dude, I bet he didn't get many invites to the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties PS I havn't got a clue as to why it is underlined??