Elmar Lang

There are no doubts at all, that the "Kleindekoration" of the MVK in any class existed (thank you for the beautiful portrait picture and for the plate from Michetschläger's book!); only, until now I think I've never seen a MVK case, embossed with "Kleindekoration" as it is known for orders.

Actually, I've never seen a "Kleindekoration" case for the MVK, although it's some time since I've started to collect A-H awards. Most probably, they exist.

The cross itself is original, so the case, where "K.D." means "Kriegsdekoration". The ribbon (I mean the cloth part) surely is post-1918; the enamelled, metal detail would need some thorough examination. Best wishes, E.L.

It's impossible to mix such horrors with originals...

I'd humbly suggest the Commander's Cross of the Order of St. Maurice and Lazarus...

Hello, I think you are referring to the "Croce al Merito di Guerra" (War Merit Cross), because a Croce al Merito Militare (Cross for Military Merit), in 1947 didn't exist. "Marina Militare" is Italy's Navy, after the fall of the Monarchy (earlier, its name was "Regia Marina", or "Royal Navy"). S.Capo Segn. means "Sottocapo Segnalatore", or the rank immediately above Sailor, of the Signal Corps. Matr. 97289 is the number reported in his "dog-tag", in other words his enlistment number. cl. 1919 means "Classe 1919": he was born in 1919 Ferruccio Benvenuto (name and family name) "fu Giuseppe", means "son of the late Giuseppe" (first name of his father, deceased already, at the moment of the award) "I? Confessione - Part. Combatt.": I think the correct transcription should be: "I^ Concessione - Part. Combatt.", or "first award, for participation to fightings". The War Merit Cross, was awarded after a continuous period of presence and active participation to combats; meaning that this man received a further cross. the date, actually is when the decoration was awarded. Would it be possible to see a pictures of this paper? Best wishes, E.L.

Let's say that a manual, illustrating the copies made on behalf of EB, could be very useful. I would like to remember that it wasn't this late gentleman only, involved in the creation of "imperial" fakes. Now, regretfully, a new generation of fakes (not copies, just fakes) are coming on the market, but that's another story...

Interesting: I've never known, that EB tried to marry a Rothe, but I think that both the two kind ladies, showed good taste.

Hello, I would like to revive a discussion I've started back in 2009 so, nearly 10 years ago. Late in 2008, I've bought a Cuban medal about which, until now, I haven't found any reference. Below, a picture of the piece. The size is: 83,0 x 54,0 mm.(incl. the suspension loop). Thank you in advance for any information, Enzo (E.L.)

The collar of this Order, is very well illustrated, along with its neck ribbon fitted with enamelled ribbon-ring, in: Stephen Patterson: "Royal Insignia - British and Foreign Orders of Chivalry from the Royal Collection"; London, Merrell Holberton, 1996, page 167. Enzo (E.L.)

Hello, I've seen this interesting discussion and I can add that this breast star of the Black Eagle enriched with the Garter, is a copy or, better, a fake. It starts from a copy of the Prussian order, made by Rothe & Neffe, Vienna, then fitted with a Garter, coming from one of the Blass-connected manufacturers; changed, "German"-style pin and, as a final touch, the "Godet" escutcheon. A work depicting the production of Mr. Blass, could be quite useful, because it seems that his masterpieces are now more often appearing again on the market. A good guide though, are the catalogues of the Munich-based auction house, ruled by the late gentleman from Hamburg. We can prepare a lavishly illustrated book on Blass's fakes (and I'd love to have a copy of it!), but never forget that it will help us about THOSE fakes only. Let's never forget that the forgerer's workshop is never closed... In my opinion, the study of originals is the best way to avoid fakes. All the best, E.L.

I think that to identify the badge and uniforms, we should refer to early Czechoslowakia, or even Poland, from the early 20s. I cannot imagine that badge being an imperial AH one. Best, E.L.

The ÖGO is a well-known, serious association, that also publishes an interesting bulletin.

A good picture of the hinge and of the silver marks (besides the makers marks) would help a lot. E.L.

Interesting, thank you for the further, precious information. E.L.

Dear Tony, the group photo, depicts Landesschützen, not Jaeger. Their cap is ornated with a Spielhahnstoß and the collars with Edelweiß. Is there any note, on the reverse? Best wishes, Enzo (E.L.)

A mistake that surely wouldn't have been done by an Austrian officer...

Just to add further info regarding Col. Mario Stampacchia, whose award document of the Skanderbeg Order was posted by Bob, I would like to say that this officer received two Silver and one Bronze medals for military valour, during WW1

Hello, I'm on holydays abroad, and no chance to reach my copy of Mericka's book "Orden und Ehrenzeichen der Oesterreichisch-Ungarischen Monarchie", Wien, Schroll, 1974, until late in the next week. From what I see, there could be good chances that it could be a piece coming from the auction of the Fattovich collection, taken in Turin in June 2015. Perhaps, the auction catalogues could still be seen online. It's always a good occasion, to remember the Venetian collector; a true old-style gentleman, with a deep knowledge in the field of Imperial Austrian phaleristic. A curious note: also his wife, was a passionate collector.

The date of the Statutes, can be detected from the date of the last "Nachtrag" to the statutes.

Any marks on the rim?

The Leopold Order is one of the most beautiful European awards and one of my favourites.

This medal, is a fine, original bronze "Jubiläums-Hofmedaille 1898"; as correctly remebered by Tifes, the triangular ribbon with bar, was for military, while the straight one of narrower width also with years' and suspension bars were for civil servants. The golden one at the opening of the topic, is a copy that can be attributed to Rothe & Neffe. I remember identical pieces in their shop, back in the late '70s. Best wishes, E.L.

Dear Avsar, all the compliments for your cultural effort in phaleristic, are well deserved! All the best, Enzo (E.L.)

Hello Dejan, here too, my compliments for the fine pieces and their display. I regret to say that I don't have any length of original 1849-50 MVK ribbon, besides that mounted on my own pieces... All the best, Enzo (E.L.)