Elmar Lang

Hello, yes, the links work now, but a few minutes ago I was trying to open bat the link failed. I agree with your opinion: the second Leopold is definitely a late Rothe copy "im Stil" of the early pieces with separate crown. Most possibly, the piece is in gold. I'm not sure, but this same piece should have been in auction some time ago. Best wishes, E.L.

Hello, just back home after a couple weeks of summer vacations, I see a discussion about the Leopold Order (perhaps my favourite order of the former A-H Monarchy). Pity the pictures are not available anymore, otherwise I would have liked to see a Rothe-copy of an early cross. The "RECUM" mistake occurs in any version of this order copied by the famous Viennese firm. In the past, I've also seen a sure Rothe copy of a Leopold's Commander (FD); the reverse medallion was of the "REGUM" type. Perhaps, when the piece was mounted in the workshop, they used an original medallion... In other words, the tiny mistake, correctly reported by Josef can be the sign of a copy, but let's never forget that the whole piece needs to be thoroughly inspected. Best wishes, E.L.

Dear Josef, that's a very interesting point: I'll be delighted to see more details of that fine, old-fashioned MVK/KD. Best wishes and congratulations for this addition to your collection, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

Hello, the Metallenes Armeekreuz (a.k.a. Kanonenkreuz; it also had an official italian name as "Croce Metallica d'Armata"), is a fascinating decoration, especially when we find an "adapted" piece or when we find a named one. As a matter of interest, I would like to post the link to a topic from a couple of years ago http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=27784 regarding a prototype of this award. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, a nice group indeed! Is the Austrian Militäverdienstkreuz mit der Kriegsdekoration an old-type piece with the "Strich-Punkt-Strich" under the "VER/DIENST"? From the picture it gives this idea... Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, following to the contribution of Artan, I would like to post a further picture (of a very bad quality!) I've obtained of the Collar of Albania to which the badge is belonging. The plunderers' work is visible because the chain is in pieces. The jewelled eagles appears as red enamelled. Best wishes, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

It is the overcoat to a Uhlan staff officer's uniform (see the gilt border to the cuffs). Best wishes, E.L.

1919. So... the mystery becomes even deeper! E.L.

Yes, it's a typical embroidered "blazer-type" star, like we often see for sale on eBay. Most sellers clearly say that such pieces are fantasy decorations. The british-styled crown, allow me to think that this piece, like the other similar ones are manufacured in Pakistan, where specialized firms produce excellently made bullion embroideries. Anyways, the FJO's stars were never made in the cloth version. Best wishes, E.L.

Hello, from what I can see in the pictures, it seems that there should be marks on the suspension loop. It's a nice looking piece of the variation with green-enamelled KD, dating from the early 20th Century/beginning of WW1. E.L

Hello, could it be that Fukushima was in service also after WW1 and received the 1st Republic highest class of the Austrian Order of Merit? Never forget that the classes of this order had curious names, like "Großes Ehrenzeichen mit dem Stern" (or so): possibly this "Grand Star" comes from that... Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, now, I'm the proud owner of the 2-volumes set of Artan Lame's work. I've started to read it and each page is full of precious and highly interesting data and details. I would recommend it to any friend collector! Best wishes, Enzo

I'm also in the number of those waiting for the pleasure of reading this new, comprehensive work! Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, I'm away from home since some weeks, so I can reach the Forum sometimes only. Yesterday, a friend of mine called me to say that he bought a Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit der Krone with engraved dedication on the reverse. From the few pictures he sent to my mobile phone, I could tell him that the piece can't be original. It has the same enamel colour and relatively unaccurate finish we can see on the lately appeared fake Commander's stars of the Franz Josef Orden. As soon as I'll be back home, I'll be able to personally see the piece and hopefully, take detailed photos. An Austrian friend of mine warns that fake 2nd classes of the Iron Crown (in gold) have appeared already, too. Such copies can't deceive a collector with some experience, but a new one, attracted by the good price and -possibly- buying in the twilight of an early-morning flea market, will have very disappointing surprises once home... Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Yes, the silver medal of the Austrian Red Cross without Kriegsdekoration is a piece quite rare to find!... Elmar Lang

Hello, I see that this interesting discussion about hallmarks returned back to life thanks to the post of Pavel, and this was a very good thing. His book on Serbian and Yugoslavian orders is a magnificent work and what a scientifical work should be. I've bought my copy at the Gunzenhausen "Sammlertreffen" and now it occupies a preminent place in my library. I'm proud that it bears the signature of the author. Of course, the chapter on hallmarks and producers of orders is most precious also to collectors of Imperial Austrian orders & decorations. Best wishes, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

I'm glad for having given a little contribution to "fill" that fine etui... Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, thank you for your comments about San Giorgio's next auction's catalogue: I'm responsible of it, both in the correct and uncorrect descriptions. I also regret that Dr. Bagli's group will be split in single lots, but I've had to follow his heirs' instructions... anyways, any "strong-and-courageous" prospective buyer has the chance to put a bid on the whole group... Best wishes, Enzo

Dear Friends, with this "imperial quartet", I would like to send my warmest wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Elmar Lang

Not a stupid question at all! A possible reason is to make the repair of centre medallions easier. Also the Goldene Verdienstkreuze (with or without crown), when made in gold have the obverse medallion with a particular system that allow it to be opened. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, Captain de Gilardy is wearing what looks like a standard type austrian field tunic, tranformed with a different collar (and ranks on it) and the added shoulder boards. Most probably early Albanian ranks are very similar to austrian ones, but the rank stars instead of being grouped, are in-line. Best wishes, E.L.

The Heyer v. Rosenfeld is a famous work on the subject: still a valid support -besides being a sought after piece- to collecting. I congratulate with our colleague, in the hope that he could find another copy for me! Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello Artan, Valter correctly confirms your opinion: it can be an uniform Zog created for himself (yesterday, I was thinking "who's the gentleman pictued in the photo?"). The "Offiziersborte" is of the austrian type (but also used in Romania, for example), the stars are in-line (arrangement not used in Austria) and the cuffs show those ornamental knots that remember those on romanian uniforms. German-style shoulder boards are another non-austrian detail. The aiguillets with suspended acorns is an austrian sharpshooter's badge, possibly arranged as "adjutant's aiguillettes" or just to give a more luxurious touch. I think that the history of Albania is extremely interesting and I hope that you could find as more details as possible! Best wishes, Enzo

Hello Artan, I am sure that the uniform shown in the picture is not austrian. I think it could be Rumanian. Best wishes, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

Hello, a good selection of Albanian Orders & Decorations was offered at the "Red Auction" held by the San Giorgio of Genova (something should be still available). The catalogue is still available at the auction house's webpage and the exact address of the catalogue is: http://www.sangiorgioaste.com/eng-site/auctions/elenco_cat.asp?codice=5#category Best wishes, Elmar Lang