Elmar Lang

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.

Hello, I think that this lapel pin should refer to the Rheinisch-Westfälische Genossenschaftsverband; an association of banks and industries (the colours green-White and White-red, also match). This organization still exists and can be found at its webpage http://www.rwgv.de/index.php . Best wishes, E.L.

This copy was (is) produced by messrs. Horvath of Budapest, also with differently shaped suspension clip. E.

I can confirm that the Grand Cross sash badge should have the long ring (open to the rear, unless on gilt badges). Sometimes, this ring was removed, for an easier suspension of the badge to the sash, by means of small snap-hooks. Best wishes, E.L. P.S.: if i would have been offered a fine Großkreuz mounted to an also fine, original sash, where the long ring would be missing to the badge, I don't think that I'd ask for a reduced price, due to an incomplete piece...

After an excavation campaign in my studyroom, I've found the book I was looking for: P. Car - / T. Muhic: "Serbian and Yugoslavian Orders & Decorations 1859-1941": on page 509, appears this same medal, in gilt bronze: Medal for Services to the Royal Household, 6th Model (1934-1941).

Hello, besides that minor defect, In my opinion, the posted medal is original. Best wishes, E.L.

In the "Rang-Listen des Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Heeres - 1918", Wilhelm Kronhelm v.Nordheim appears on page 103 as Oberstleutnant der Infanterie, with rank from 1. November 1916 and on page 799 in the roll of the Oberstleutnante in the IR 100, "Beim detaschierten Baon". His awards (as stated until the Personalverordnungsblatt Nr. 40/18) were: - Orden der Eisernen Krone III Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration u. Schwerter; - Militärverdienstkreuz III Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration u. Schwerter; - Militärverdienstkreuz III Klasse (FD) - Bronzene Militärverdienstmedaille "Signum Laudis" am Bande des Militärverdienstkreuzes; - MIlitärdienstzeichen 3. Klasse f. Offiziere; - Bronzene Jubiläumserinnerungsmedaille für die Bewaffnete Macht, 1898; - Militärjubiläumskreuz 1908; - Erinnerungskreuz 1912-1913 Your fine FJO-OK m. KD was awarded after the publication of the Rangliste. Most probably, he received the Karl-Truppenkreuz too. Best wishes, Enzo (E.L.)

Hello Dejan, a very fine piece: is it in gold? Regarding the person, I will check the 1918 Rang-Liste today. Best wishes, Enzo

The priced catalogue published by the owner of Anticopresidio (who is a numismatist with a good reputation, though) is a relatively good book, but lacks of some in-deep research and detail. In any case, books are always precious, even when not agreeing with the author. In my opinion, the best work available on the subject of Italian awards are the two-volumes work of A. Brambilla "Le Medaglie Italiane degli Ultimi 200 Anni" (now a collector's piece) and the new edition of volume 1 (enlarged and now fully illustrated with colour photographs, instead of line drawings); volume 2 is almost complete, as far as the author said some weeks ago. All the best, E.L.

Hello, Many years ago, I've had this same medal, also in bronze and found in Italy, in a case that was exactly the twin of the one shown by Paul... No further technical info about it though... Enzo

Hello, some time ago, I've found this fine portrait of Felmarschallieutnant Baron Bianchi, Duca di Casalanza (a title granted by the King of Naples). Almost all the orders in wear, are perfectly depicted: very interesting the Grand Cross with diamonds awarded by the King of Sardinia, in the hope that Bianchi would accept to enter service in the Sardinian Army. With the picture (slightly damaged, though), I've acquired his "brodée" breast star of the Neapolitan Order of St. Ferdinand and of the Merit ("Ordine di S. Ferdinando e del Merito"), his "Kanonenkreuz" and a few minor objects belonged to the general. Curiously, the Kanonenkreuz is engraved "Max Wimpfen F.M.L.". A question rises: maybe, Bianchi and Wimpffen exchanged their own crosses as a sign of friendship?

Hello, after a long time, I try to up this discussion again, in the hope that someone could help me to solve the "mystery" about this medal... Best wishes and many thanks in advance, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

This Silbernes Verdienstkreuz mit der Krone with the hallmark of Braun in Vienna is an extremely fine piece, whose quality is always excellent. Finding it in its correct, original case is also a rare plus. I would like to anly add some further info: This exact piece, being struck with the silver marks introduced in 1867, can be dated around that period (although Braun worked earlier too!). The very 1st type of the Verdienstkreuz, in my opinion, was made by Kittner (Vienna): its typical crown (in the pieces "mit der Krone") was small too, but somewhat "rounder" than Braun's one. Kittner marked pieces, never have any gold or silver marks. Best wishes, Enzo (E.L.)