Elmar Lang

Hello, I would like to revive this discussion, because the posted replica VC looks almost identical to the two pieces sold at Spink's on November 27th-28th 2019 sale, lots 580-581. The two pieces show a better finish though and both are named to two Irish men Danaher and Doogan resp., during the 1st Boer War. Good pictures of the two pieces can be seen on Spink's webpage. Best wishes, E.L.

A nice group of awards. It's a pity that the award document to the Military Order of Savoy is not present.

Not bad indeed, if considered as a toy.

Hello, I don't see anything suspicious with this set. Best wishes, E. L.

Hello, any maker's mark to the reverse of the two stars? By the way, differences in the text on the white enameled outer circlet do occur. Looking at the quality/finish of the two stars, I'd dare to say that the first one is elder than the second piece shown. All the best, Enzo (E.L.)

...and the second, "JZ" mark, is that of the well-known maker Josef Zimbler. Most of the Wiederholungsspangen were made by Zimbler, but of white metal. Finding a silver one, is definitely a "plus".

Hello, being more into the Austro-Hungarian faleristic (and its room here), I've missed this thread. The Gunzenhausen show is a tradition I can't miss. Nice that the renovated Stadthalle is back into use and that the new management continues to keep this show alive. I've had my table as usual on the stage, met many friends and many collectors. It was nice to also meet Sascha and see his usually very fine offering of orders and decorations. An "adventure" with happy ending, gave some suspense to my participation. The good thing of Gunzenhausen is that it takes place in a pleasant town: its Church, with fine works of art and its wonderful organ, is well worth a visit. Ad maiora! Enzo (E.L.)

Hello, the decoration illustrated in the pictures is an insignia of one of the many spurious "orders" pretending to be a Maltese Order. There is one Order of St. John of Jerusalem (a.k.a. Order of Malta) only, although divided in many priorates. Best wishes, Enzo

Words that should be carved on white marble, then filled with 24kt. gold...

It's nice to see again the Golden medal belonged to Gen. Emil Vojnovic v. Belobreska, with the French Medal of the "Societé Archeologique" (also the latter, made by Rothe). Very interesting, the medal posted by Paul. A mistery to me too...

King Victor Emanuel II, instituted a medal to the combatants in the "Wars for Italy's Independence and Unity" ("Guerre per l'Indipendenza e l'Unità d'Italia"), that has to be considered a "Campaign Medal" where each campaign is indicated with bars; the "Unità d'Italia 1848-1870" (and, later, "(…) 1848-1918" have to be considered as a "Commemorative Medals". all the best, Enzo

Hello, Paul, the silver medal with the image of King Humbert I is the "Unità d'Italia 1848-1870" commemorative medal, awarded to anyone who participated to the wars of Independence in the Sardinian/Italian army or in Garibaldi's volunteer corps. Later, King Victor Emanuel III instituted a similar medal, in bronze, but with his portrait: the "Unità d'Italia 1848-1918" medal, awarded also to those participating to WW1 considered as the last war for Italy's unity. Enzo

These medals, probably given to a Church as an "ex-voto", mean that our man fought in the 1859, 1860-61 and 1866 campaigns; one, is the French medal for the 1859 campaign in Italy (awarded to Sardinian/Italian troops too); more, we see the "Unità d'Italia -1848-1870" medal in silver, with the image of King Humbert I and one of the many commemorative crosses for the Wars of Independence, awarded by some veterans' committee, curiously mounted to the ribbon of the Military Order of Savoy. Agostino Focaccio, in 1866 also received a Silver "Al Valore Militare" medal for the Southern Italian campaign of 1861-61 for his gallantry in front of the enemy, as a gunner in the 3rd Artillery Regiment (siege of Capua and Gaeta). This medal is not present in the frame though... Best wishes, Enzo (E.L.)

Yes, this piece is in my own collection; sort of a trait d'union between my collection of imperial Austrian orders and decorations and my Country. Egon Lerch was quite famous in his time.

I can only add, to this interesting discussion, that after the closing of the shop of Cravanzola-Gardino in via del Corso, Rome, many sets of the various classes of this order appeared on the market, coming from the depot of the firm. At the "Militalia" show in Milan, a dealer had some commander's sets and a grand cross set with sash. In my opinion, it is an ephemeral order, "instituted" by some of the "pretendants" to the portuguese throne, whose families flourished in Italy (and legally battled against each other), since shortly after WW2. All the best, Enzo