Elmar Lang

Hello again, a more patient research in the 1918 Rang-Liste, helped me to see that all the 10 officers were still on duty in the JR 33. Géza Olajos was then Leutnant (and not anymore in der Reserve); Johann Léger and Karl Kurtag appear as promoted to Oberleutnants. One name: Josef Farkas, Leutnant der Reserve, appears as having been decorated with the Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaille along with the MVK III Kl. KD u. Schw.; the Bronzenes "Signum Laudis" am Kriegsband m. Schw.; the Silberne Tapferkeitsmedaille 1. Klasse; the Silberne Tapferkeitsmedaille 2. Klasse and the Karl Truppenkreuz. There's a chance that the gilding could be old and the medal could have been a present to that brave, young officer. With my gratitude for the precious help, Enzo

That's excellent; a warm thank you to both Ian and Glenn, replying to my enquiry. I will look through the 1918 Rang-Liste and see whether any of the mentioned officers were still attached to the JR 33. Curious, is the fact of the medal's gilding, but this could have happened anytime after WW1... Best wishes, Enzo

That's very interesting, thank you! I think I should try to put together a complete series of the k.u.k. Schematisma and Rang-Listen from 1914 to the end of the war: they are more important than a single, fine decoration. Enzo

Hello, Yesterday, I've visited an old friend of mine in Cortina d'Ampezzo. He showed to me some pieces and discussed about some of them. Later, I've been able to acquire from him a Tapferkeitsmedaille: its an usual 1st Class medal in silver type 1914-1916 (struck with the "A" mark on the rim): curiously it has an old, partially worn gilding and its reverse is engraved "OFFIZIERSKORPS DES J.B. IV/33" on top and below, "FELDZUG 1914-1916". The engraving is very well made, I need to say. It is complete with a fine, original ribbon (removed by me, to better allow the scans). The text allows me to think that it refers to a present from the Officers of the 4th Battalion of the Infantry Regiment nr. 33 "Kaiser Leopold". Searching through the Rang-Liste of 1918 (I haven't earlier ones from WW1) I haven't found any junior officer from the mentioned regiment, with either the Goldene or the Silberne 1. Klasse Medal. Any further info, would most appreciated, Enzo (E.L.)

Hello, to add some further details, I would like to post the pictures -obverse and reverse- of the Large Silver Medal for Lower Austria, 1797:

Here's my gold Medal for Lower Austria: as it can be seen, it's struck from a different die than the "Thaler"-like one of the normal silver Medal. I apologize for the low-quality scan...

Exactly: I mean this medal. It was awarded in silver (like the one shown in the picture) for NCOs and OR; in silver and gold for Officers. Best wishes, Enzo

The 1797 medal for Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), come in three grades: 1) Gold 2) Large Silver (same die as the Gold one) 3) Silver for troop, NCOs and junior officers (same die and size of the Silver Tyrol Medal 1797, but different inscription to the reverse (DEN BIEDEREN SOEHNEN OESTERREICHS DES LANDESVATERS DANK MDCCXCVII). I will provide pictures of these medals soon too. Best wishes, E.L.

This is a very interesting medal, parallel to the very similar one for Niederösterreich, also from 1797. The Tyrol one existed in three "classes": large Gold, for corps commanders; small Gold, for officers; silver, for NCOs and troops. Here, a picture of the pieces in my collection:

Let's consider an officer's cross with pin like this one, as slightly rarer than the "usual" type with the two hooks and engraved dates. Here a few pieces from my collection; the "Verdienststern" with Kriegsdekoration (made by Souval); two 1st Classes, one of them for Ladies; an Officer's Cross with KD and a 2nd Class, also with KD. E.L.

The Tapferkeitsmedaille has its own ribbon only, that is white with two red stripes; within them, alternated, very thin white and red horizontal stripes. The St. Stephen's ribbon visible in the pictures, looks like a modern one though... E.L.

A Militärverdienstkreuz I Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration; silver, gold details and enamels only:

Klein aber fein, a miniature of the Order of the Golden Fleece (already discussed in another section of this Forum):

and here, some pieces not as lavishly made as those at the Schatzkammer:

...A little contribution, from my own, humble "Schatzkammer":

The breast star in the first picture, below the Karageroge one, should be the Merit Order "Pro Merito Melitensi" of the Maltese Order. E.L.

Interesting, but I think that they aren't the same person. A veteran of the Crimean War was born much earlier than 1894. Your grandfather surely fought in WW1. Laugero is one of the typical, Piedmontese family names; I suppose being strictly connected with its French corresponding, Laugier. Best wishes, E.L.

Well... this is the "Metallenes Armeekreuz" a.k.a. Kanonenkreuz. The Karl-Truppenkreuz was clearly inspired by this famous decoration. Best wishes, E.L.

You're welcome!

Hello, I see only now this interesting question. The imperial Russian double-eagle appears in the portrait as set with diamonds, the breast, charged with the Holy Virgin. I remember I've seen such a piece already some years ago, in a miniature-portrait of a possibly Russian/Kurlandian noble lady, among other pieces from the estate of a branch of the von Anrep-Elmpt family. I don't know the whereabouts of this portrait now, but I've been told that the decoration was the badge or (I can better explain in German) the "Stiftsdekoration" of a Russian Chapter of Noble dames, as widely used in Austria and Germany. I apologize for not being able to give more information though. Best wishes, E.L.

I have to admit that the inscribed, original cardboard case fitted for both the decoration and the Bandspange is quite rare to see. Any inscription or maker's mark on the lid's inside or under the case? Congratulations, E.L.

...and here's the picture of the reverse:

Yes, I'm sure that your GVO-miniature is made of gold. All the best, E.L.

I think I have to agree with Iver's opinion. Thank you for the kind comment about my little miniature. E.L.

Just to add something to this interesting thread, here's a miniature of the Golden Fleece with brilliants, from my collection. The piece is made of gold and the suspension ring bears the marks of Rothe, Vienna, prior to 1918: