TacHel

I do read German and already have this book... Although a great reference, it does not contain the info I am lacking...:(

So I have to give up my life as I know it? My job? My wife? Personal hygiene? The lot?

No, not a joke... Is there a reference that would give me more info? I have nearly 100 German Imperial awards in my collection, I can identify well over 90% of all imperial awards... But identifying them isn't enough! I already have 5 or 6 very good reference books, some from Germany from the 30s and 40s. They show the awards, they talk about the makers, the ribbons but NONE explain in detail the award criteria or who they were bestowed to! In recent threads I've read from Rick and others mention "this was usually awarded to senior NCOs" or "to junior officers"... Where does one find such info? Is there a book out there somewhere with that king of information? If not, is anybody planning on writing one? I don't care if it's in English, in French, in German...

*Picks self off of floor from kneeling in front of the MASTER* Are you one day planning to input all of your data from the numerous rolls you've worked on in a program with a search engine?

Actually Rick, these might've been all he had at the time. The inter-allied Victory Medal only came out in 1922. The French WW1 commemorative medal only came out in 1920. The Combatant's Cross only came out in 1930. The Cross for Volunteer Combatant only came out in 1935. So between 1918 and at least 1920, this is all this man would've had to wear.

Here's another that was retroactively included into Order No. 633 of 14 June 2000. Breast badge for "Model Police Patrol Officer" Awarded to members of police patrol services who have worked continuously in the patrol service for not less than five years: for high personal achievements in operational performance, for improving professional skills in the prevention, detection and solving of crimes and the arrest of wanted criminals; for the development and introduction of new working methods enhancing the effectiveness of the patrol service, for initiative and resourcefulness; for active cooperation with other bodies of the MVD contributing to the enhancement of public order and strengthening the fight against crime.

Double post. Please delete.

The award document for the breast badge.

Instituted on the same day by the same ministerial order, the Commemorative Breast Badge "200 years, the Ministry of Defense" is awarded to persons who actively promoted and assisted in the tasks entrusted to the Armed Forces of Russia.

Instituted on 30 August 2002 by ministerial order 300. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation having faithfully served for 25 years or more; to other military troops, military units and bodies that Russian law provides for in military service.

This recently found award document surprisingly showing 2 variants suggests that the award criteria does not differ from one design to another.

Recently found out that this medal was produced by at least 8 different makers and that at least 3 completely different designs exist. To date I have only seen the variants shown in the previous post and in this one worn on uniforms. A slight variation to this design exists where the wreath is actually gilded. I have been unable to find any documentation as to possible differing award criteria for the different variants.

Thanks for that explanation! Much appreciated.:cheers:

Honor Badge "For Valor in the Storage and Destruction of Chemical Weapons" Awarded to soldiers of the Federal Office for the Safe Storage and Destruction of Chemical Weapons, who have served there for at least 3 years, for exemplary performance of military duties and the successful completion of special assignments. Instituted by order of the Defense Minister #310 on 4 August 2006.

Here is the official emblem surmounted by the Defense Ministry's eagle.

Well this is weird... I just noticed the chiffre on my CDG's palm is different with a single "L". Can somebody explain this to me please?

I just went over the award criteria for the Médaille Militaire, quite possible for your sgt. * For those with eight years of military service; * Those who were listed in order of the army regardless of their length of service; * Those who received one or more injuries in fighting before the enemy or under orders * Those who have distinguished themselves by an act of courage or dedication deserving an award.

Well that throws a curve on things. I did read though that the unit had a reserve component (dunno if company or battalion strength), if like other countries, maybe these poor schmoes wore old stuff into WW1. Akin the 1914 German reservists going to war wearing 1870 stuff... A possibility? The ONLY other possibilities are awards mentioned above by Vet and Paul probably earned in another unit... This is a good one!

I checked 4 French web sites about the 89th. No mention whatsoever of colonial campaigns. The regiment was stationed at the "Caserne Gémeaux" in Sens from the mid 1850s to 1914. It spent the entire war of 14-18 as part of the 10th Infantry Division. IMHO, the 2 most likely candidates would be a Croix de Guerre (1915 or 1916 due to your 1916 end date) and a Médaille Militaire. There were no long service awards in those days for French NCOs and the medal for the wounded did not yet exist (even today's version is non official). The only other possibility would be if he had served in another unit prior to going to the 89th, but that is unlikely, just in like many other armies of the day, soldiers usually remained with the same unit for their entire length of service. Another interesting point for your uniform, the 89th was awarded a fourragère in the colours of the WW1 Croix de Guerre for 2 mentions. 2 of its 3 WW1 battle honours precede 1917 meaning the owner of the uniform most probably took part in these engagements. A fourragère always looks great on a period uniform! Hope this helps!

About the ribbon mounted swords... If the awards are simply hooked under the ribbons, he might've used the very same bar in the undress "sans gongs"... No?

Quite the rack for an NCO! He is a feldwebel, correct?

Nice! Translation of the page: Top: The 110 years of Lazare Ponticelli Bottom: Mother to son: Don't participate in this war Lazare! I don't want to see my child die! Lazare to mother: Mom, I enlisted at a young age. In order to relate it all in my old age.

Sweet! Seems to be in immaculate condition too! Great find for a 100+ year old tunic!:jumping:

My motto is give credit where credit is due. You're the one that sought them out and found them.

This is the Sovereign's badge of the Order of Military Merit of Canada. This is the Sovereign's badge of the Order of Canada Cheers!:beer: