Elmar Lang

Paul is absolutely right: Emperor Franz Josef I received his St. George's Order 4th Class after the 1848-49 campaign, so, his memory is still fresh and age gives even more place to wisdom. ...what I can't say about myself. E.L:

A curiously made, but most possibly original "K" device for the Silberne Tapferkeitsmedaille 1. Klasse für Offiziere. Is the "K" silver or gilt? From the picture it's unclear... The pieces considered as "official" are not so ornamented, but contemporary variations did exist. Best wishes, E.L.

Hello, yes this piece too, can be attributed to the relatively modern production of Rothe, although not signed. E.L.

the marks shown in the picture are before 1918. On which decoration are they struck? E.L.

Actually, it's a fine, old copy (1960-70) made by Rothe & Neffe, Vienna. E.L.

Hello, thank you for your kind words. My collection's main field is the orders and decorations of the austro-hungarian monarchy, from Maria Theresia to Karl I. I don't have enough place for portraits and paintings, but this piece is interesting, especially after having found more details... Best wishes, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

Having found the name with a cross-research of the orders displayed on the portrait, it was also possible to know something more. Feldmarschall-Lieutenant Joseph Weigl Frhr. von Löwenwarth served with distinction for 58 years in the Austrian Army, participated to more than 200 actions in front of the enemy, since the siège of Belgrade (as a Lieutenant in IR Kheul) under Marshal Laudon. He was also promoted to the rank of Major ("ausser seiner Tour") for war merits after the battle of Lonato (Italy), where he was also seriously wounded. His military "glory" reached its top during the 1814 campaign, at the surrounding of Besançon on 31st March-1st April, where under the eyes of Prinz Aloys Liechtenstein, Gen. Weigl displayed exceptional valour, leading his troops in a critical situation. With a "Handbillet" from Dijon, April 2nd, 1814, Emperor Franz I awarded him the Knight's Cross of the MMThO; some months later he received the title of Freiherr. Weigl died on 28th February, 1830 at the age of 83, while being Divisionär in Brescia. (notes from Hirtenfeld "Der Militär-Maria.Theresien-Orden und seine Mitglieder", Vienna, 1857, vol II, pages 1307-1308). He was still present in the "Militär-Schematismus des österreichischen Kaiserthumes" of 1830 as "Zweyter Inhaber" of Böhmisches Infanterie-Regiment 42. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

It's an interesting piece indeed (hopefully not a piece from which the KD was filed away...). We can consider it as a "Vorlagestück", since this class, as said, was never awarded. Most of the pieces remained, shortly after WW1 were melted in order to obtain precious metals. Some pieces of such non-awarded types (both 1st and 2nd classes) survived the post-war emergencies and now are highly appreciated from collectors. E.L.

Hello, just as a matter of interest, I would like to inform that a friend of mine who saw the portrait, after a patient research through his collection of Imperial Austrian "schematisma", was able to identify the pictured officer. He should be Generalmajor baron Joseph Weigel von Löwenarth. Best wishes, E.L.

I hope, during the next two weeks, to be able to photograph and accurately measure my cased RKE-VSt./KD. Best wishes, E.L.

Dear David, thank you very much for your precious information. Actually, I have the complete Hirtenfeld (in .pdf), the Lukes and Bardolff, although the list given in the austro-hungarian-army webpage is very useful. Being quite "old-fashioned", I've simply tried to search through the lists of the Baden Order given in the Gottschalck, with no results, besides a Feldmarschalleutnant who didn't receive the MMThO. I am sure that G.'s list is incomplete. I will search the Baden Staatshandbücher and try a more accurate research. By the way, are the Staatshandbücher available on Google Books? Best wishes, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

Hello, I would like to ask the help from the colleagues in this room, in order to identify the gentleman, depicted in this portrait. As we can see, he is wearing the Knight's Cross of the MMThO, the Kanonenkreuz and the insignia of the Military Karl-Friedrich Order of Baden. Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance, Elmar Lang

Hello, it's a very fine case, but comparing the two fitted compartments and signs left from the decorations, I could suggest that both are for the Offizierskreuz. The differences are just because of the two different manufacturers. The bigger one, not showing the "K.D." inscripion embossed on the lid, was for a non-War Decoration award. I will take my Verdienststern (cased) and check the dimensions and other detail. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, no medals in silver were awarded, besides the 8 ones awarded to the mentioned british officers. The medal was struck in 9 pieces only: 8 for award and 1 to be preserved in the imperial numismatic cabinet (Münzkabinett). Later strikings in silver, bronze and tin alloy from the original dies do exist, but they were possibly made for study or museum purposes. Best wishes, E.L.

The best reference is always the specialized literature (in this case, Mericka; Stolzer-Steeb; Prochàzka or Ragsdale/Falkenstien) if the Statutes wouldn't be available. Best wishes, E.L.

I agree with your point of view, Josef; although I didn't see that piece on eBay, since I don't look there often. The crude fixing of the KD to the eagle's wings is something I've already noticed on pieces made by Kunz. That piece is of a lower quality, if compared to the ones made by Rothe, Rozet & Fischmeister or Köchert, but surely it is less common to see than those made by the other mentioned makers. Best wishes, E.L.

Hello, I've replied via-PM to your question. Best wishes, E.L.

Hello, the crown on top of the badge is the "Roman Mural Crown", adopted by the Italian Republic, instead of Savoy's Royal one. This rank is indicated by the gilt cord and is to a "Capitano di Corvetta" (equivalent to the rank of Major). During the kingdom, the rank on visor caps was sewn or embroidered around the cap's "cylinder". The firm of Coruzzolo, Naples, is one of the best known suppliers to the Iatlian Navy. Shape and badges can date the cap to the mid '70s of 20th Century. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, it's a typical wartime III Class badge of the Order with Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern, made by Wilhelm Kunz of Vienna. It shows some wear, but it's a fine specimen, not common to see from the mentioned maker. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Crown Prince Dr. Otto von Habsburg will be remembered with the greatest respect. R.I.P. Elmar Lang

Hello, there was only this one from Gen. Ney's orders. The group was dispersed years ago. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Marks on the star's reverse centre medallion:

Marks on the star's pin:

A detail of the star's centre medallion: