TacHel

I'm going waaaay out on a limb here. A complete shot in the dark.

Naval uniforms could be seen anywhere a ship went. Add a colonial uniform suggesting (maybe) Africa...

Could the "pudgy boy scout" actually be a non German? A Boer? A British border/police/scout official?

Like I said, waaaay out on a limb.

...and this badge has the Garter around and Hermes - the messenger of the gods - as a central motif. Will probably turn out to be for a signals unit.

That was my original thought, a souvenir from a comms/sigs unit. But why a garter? Any connection to the Order?

Sweet badge! I think this is the most detailed 57er I've seen to date!

Absolutely SUPERB! Congrats on a GREAT set!

Thanks for sharing!

Yes Rick... P-L-E-A-S-E tell us you took pictures! And let's see them!

hi François,

You have right, what a book it will be. But like I have more than 1600 cards I think I will make several volumes

Christophe

So many of those INCREDIBLE shots have NEVER BEFORE been published. So many great pics have been lost to history, a book or series of books containing these great shots would ensure their survival for posterity.

#1 Is marked COTAM, this stands for "COmmandement du Transport Aérien Militaire" (Military Air Transport Command).

It is the badge of the "Centre Opérationel du Transport Aérien Militaire" (Military Air Transport Operational Center) at air base #107 Villacoublay.

Great pics as always... When you hit between 500 and 1000 pics, make a book! It'll sell!

Sweet! Very nice! :beer:

Actually, that is incorrect, this piece is post October 1946 (4th or 5th Republic). An earlier (3rd Rep.) piece would've had the year 1870 after "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" on the front. Both 4th and 5th Republic models are exactly alike.

A maker's mark "might" narrow it down a bit more, but just maybe... Definitely a modern (post 1946 piece).

That really clears it up.

Thank you! :cheers:

The next photo shows what appears to be a parade composed on BW soldiers and members of a Veterans Orgaization. From the cars in the picture this photo could date from the late 50s early 60s.

The sashes being worn by the vets... I know it isn't that evident to make a call from a B&W picture but...

Are they Red White and Black akin a 1939 EK2/RK ribbon?

Merci! :beer:

The name changes with the ribbon used... But do the "D?coration Militaire" for exceptional service or courage with the ribbon with the wide center red stripe and the "D?coration Militaire" for service (pic below) use the exact same insignia?

I have just noticed (after seeing other such medals) that the bar on the one in my collection is a tad... "Small"...

Is this acceptable or did the previous owner simply slap a bar for a mini on it?

Because of the construction of the plate and pin? I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment on that part.

I can possibly see the 1870/71 medal not being original to the set and being replaced by a Frontkampfer but that other ribbon being the WW1 Hungarian medal? THAT I simply cannot agree to... If it is in fact from the 30s, then I think the other ribbon is still from Hessen as previously thought.

IMHO...

It's a very nice Belgium WW1 War Cross with palm.

I have a nice War Cross like that but the palm is missing...

Any idea where I might find one?

These guys would've HATED going through airport metal detectors... Oh, for the simpler days of yore...

Can you imagine the wealth, the absolute treasure of historical knowledge we lost in the passing of this gentleman. I hope he was interviewed adequately over his long years so that it isn't completely lost...

Ralph, thanks again for the info on FS Mercier's career and award.

I put together this frame for the family and included the info on the side plaques.

His children asked me to thank you guys once again for the info.

Bling? Meet General of Infantry Dr. Eduard von Peucker, 1791 - 1876. Here is an example that, in my opinion, approaches being something other than German - North Korea comes to mind.

Wish that I could make this picture larger so that you could really see the details of all this.

And if you count them... It is but a mere fraction of the number of ODMs our main character has...

Holy cow, he must have looked like a real "Weihnachtsbaum" when wearing all those orders.

I doubt any uniform fabric could've handled all of his awards at the same time. We've seen many members of this forum purchase separate ODMs to make up Von Richthofen's set... Can you imagine trying it with this guy?

Mind you, I have seen an Honour Medal and a Red Eagle Medal mounted with such a ribbon, but only once, and IMHO, wrongly.

Other similar ribbons (228, 267, 294 & 465) make very little sense and I very much doubt they are correct for this bar...

Ribbon 211 for the "F?r Tapferkeit" medal from Hessen-Darmstadt (most likely Ludwig III) like VtwinVince hinted, is the most likely candidate if this isn't a poorly manufactured Prussian ribbon.

Are we going to see a pic of the reverse?

Like somebody before me said, small but focused on quality and brilliantly displayed.

And as I see it once again... Not so small after all!

Thanks for sharing, great items.

Red stripes are a bit narrow for a Red Eagle Order or Medal... Or even an Honor Medal... Hmmmm...