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:

The breast star:

Sash badge, reverse, with detail of suspension system on the concave reverse of the St. Stephen's crown:

Sash badge, obverse:

Hello, During San Giorgio's sale of Orders & Decorations of June 11th, 2011, the complete group of the Royal Hungarian St. Stephen's Order awarded in 1867 to General Edgar Napoléon Ney (1812 - 1882), reached the record price of 40.000,- Euro (start at 7.000,-). Since in my opinion it will pass much time, until it will possibly appear again on the market, after having been kindly authorized by the buyer, I would like to post here some good pictures of the group. It is interesting to note that the sash badge is of the transitional type as awarded in 19th Century; in other words, a cross from 18th Century with the one-sided crown transformed from being a ribbon "buckle" to a suspension, after having the rear loops removed and changed with a long ribbon-ring with a link connected to the cross's upper loop (pictures shall say much more than my poor English); the breast star is typical of the type awarded between 1860-80. Having the order been awarded in 1867 there are silver marks introduced in Austria that year.

This interesting piece has now a new home after a short bidding fight between two collectors, reaching a hammer price of 900,- Euro. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

The photo posted by Freiherr depicts v. Zoellner early in in 1917, while the one posted by me is v. Zoellner's last public appearance in September 1944 for his 60th military jubilee. As said, he was already very ill. I consider that image, in its historical context, as very touching. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

this piece was auctioned yesterday, for a hammer price of Euro 4.000,- Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Yesterday, Gen. von Zoellner's group has found a new, caring home. It was won in auction with a bid on the whole group, winning on the sum of all single bids. In my opinion, this is how it should have ended. The heirs of the General are happy knowing that the military memories of their ancestor won't be divided. Best wishes, E.L.

reverse:

Just to add something new to this thread, I would like to post the pictures, obverse and reverse of a 1st type Urdhri i Flamurit in gold. It belonged to an Italian partisan and it will be auctioned tomorrow, June 11th. I hope that the images would be good enough. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Actually is a piece of the finest manufacture. The piece is unmarked, nor signed by the jeweller who made it (but it should have been someone mastering his art). The case bears no marks either. More details and better pictures can be found at http://www.sangiorgioaste.com/eng-site/auctions/scheda.asp?codice=52&asta=019&parte=1&lotto=0181&categoria=ORDINI+E+DECORAZIONI&titolo=An+exceptional+Star+of+the+%22Grand+Army+of+the+Republic%22&ris= Best wishes, Elmar Lang

...and a clip from a contemporary newspapers, announcing the presentation of the star to Mr. Stuart. The decoration is still in the original "portfolio-shaped", black leather presentation case. E.L.

The reverse side, with recipient's picture "framed" on the ribbon's reverse face and engraved dedication: