Elmar Lang

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:

The interesting Scheid's variation with the "1849" device in the White enamel. Congratulations: it is not common to see. E.L.

Just a little note, regarding the Austrian "Metallenes Armeekreuz", better known as "Kanonenkreuz" (Cannon Cross): this decoration was never marked "Aus erobertem Geschütz". The officially produced pieces are struck with the imperial mint mark of a stylized double-headed eagle on the suspension loop only. Many pieces, were engraved with the recipient's name though. Best wishes, E.L. Attached, two pictures of one of my Kanonenkreuze, of a well-known, quite uncommon, "adapted type" (Adaptierte Form), fitted with gold border and laurel wreath. It is complete with its original ribbon, although I believe it as dating from the '20s of 19th Century.

Very interesting. My three papers came were bought at a german auction, ca. one year ago. The date of award (Nov. 20th, 1941) is the same as on your fine document. All the best, Enzo

In the italian section of my collection, I have three award documents resp. for a Silver and a Bronze "Al Valore Militare" medals and for a "Croce di Guerra al Valore Militare", on this same type of diploma, from the same period, awarded to German aviators. I think that they came from a dismissed archive/collection and arrived on the market, where my three papers came. All the best, E.L.

I think that this otherwise finely made piece, can be considered as one of the many "self styled orders". Best wishes, E.L.

Thank you so much for your effort and translation. I'm indebted to you! All the best, Enzo

Dont't worry at all! It's me, thanking you for any help, of course! Enzo

Never say never... I'm an optimist by nature, but in any case, I think that there are very few chances to see that set again. Enzo

Hello, I agree with Paul's opinion and can also say that in my opinion, this cross of the Polonia Restituta is definitely not a piece from the Polish Republic, 1922-1939. Best wishes, Enzo (E.L.)

Not easy to give a definitive answer. In my opinion though, this type of cases can be attributed to a late-war issue. In other words, in your interesting case would better contain a Silberne Militärverdienstmedaille of the Karl I type. All the best, E.L.

Hello, at the Gunzenhausen show, besides other pieces, I've found a curious, colourful, banner, of which I would like to attach some pictures. Does anyone know what do the inscriptions mean? Any help would be most appreciated, Enzo (E.L.)

The Spezialsturmbataillon should be a flamethrower unit. Interesting to note, that after the Feldpost stamp, the picture was sent in the very last days of war on the Italian-Austrian front. All the best, Enzo (E.L.)

I agree with Paul and Rene: this Feldpilotenabzeichen is a copy, although relatively well made. E.L.