Elmar Lang

Hello, the owner of that ribbon bar (here of German type), was an officer for sure, since the first two decorations with swords can be attributed to the Milit?rverdienstkreuz III Klasse mit Schwertern and to the Bronzene Milit?rverdienstmedaille ("Signum Laudis") with Swords. An NCO could have received only the Goldenes (Silbernes) Verdienstkreuz mit der Krone (ohne Krone): both, after 1914 were awarded with "war" ribbon and swords. Best wishes, Enzo

Hello Boris, the strange ribbon has been wrongly attributed to the medal. Actually, the ribbon looks well post-1918 and with colours resembling those of the Order of the German Eagle. "AC" is another latin form of the conjunction "ET", similarly with "ATQUE" where "atque" can mean "and also...". The other medal, with the cyrillic text is the jubilee medal for the members of the Russian Kexholm Guards Regiment, one of the regiments where Franz Josef was "Oberst-Inhaber". Best wishes, Enzo P.S.: ok, some books, when out-of-print can be difficult to obtain, but "Oesterreichs Orden" can be directly ordered at the OeGO, www.ordenskunde.at

Hello, I've searched through my reference books (including the Michetschl?ger) and haven't found any evidence of that special medal "for widows". Do you have any source that indicates its institution? Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, from the background, I think I know where the tunic is located, in Vienna. In my opinion, perhaps the most serious and experienced dealer of A-H Orders & Decorations in Austria. Is there any name inside the jacket? The ribbon should indicate that the former owner was knight of the Military Orde of Maria Theresia... Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, in another thread, started a discussion about the meaning of some marks, struck on austro-hungarian orders. Specifically the "FR", either in a rectangle or a lozenge. An old manual of marks, stated that "FR" meant tax-paid and this allowed most of us to ask what would have been the mark of Rothe, etc. in 2008, at the museum of Deutschlandsberg (near Graz, Austria), it took place an important exhibition, celebrating the 200 years from the institution of the Imperial Austrian Order of Leopold. The lavishly illustrated catalogue (with pieces any beginning or advanced collector would dream to possess) is accompanied with excellent historical and technical texts written by the best Austrian experts in phaleristic. The introductory notes to the catalogue, have been written by Dr. Rochowanski of Vienna, whose deep knowledge about the imperial austrian marking system is well known to collectors. He states (I translate from German): "...from mid-19th Century, we mostly find the marks of the well-known firm of Rothe at Kohlmarkt, Vienna, whose official mark changed in the course of time: "F R" in a rectangle, until ca. 1885, then "F R" in a lozenge, and "C F R" during the 1st and 2nd Republic. The needle of the breast stars was in all periods marked "C. F. ROTHE WIEN". ...". I hope that these notes would help us solve "the mystery of the mark". Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, it's the 1898 Jubilee Medal for the Armed Forces (the one-colour ribbon means that it was the red one). Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello, just to add some more reference sources about the differences between the military and civil 1898 Jubilee Medals, these are also indicated in the following works: H. v. Heyden: "Ehren-Zeichen der erloschenen und bl?henden Staaten Deutschlands und Oesterreich-Ungarns - II. Nachtrag 1898-1906"; Frankfurt a.M., 1906 W.H.edl. v. Hessenthal - G. Schreiber: "Die tragbaren Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Reiches"; Berlin, 1940 Vaclav Měřička: "Orden und Ehrenzeichen der Oesterreichisch Ungarischen Monarchie"; Vienna, Schroll, 1974; Jos. v. Falkenstien (Dan Ragsdale): "Imperial Austrian Medals and Decorations"; Tucson, 1972 R. frhr. v. Proch?zka: "Oesterreichisches Ordenshandbuch - Gro?e Ausgabe", vol. 2; Munich, 1979 J. Stolzer - Chr. Steeb (et alia): "Oesterreichs Orden"; Graz, ADEVA, 1996. All the mentioned books can be considered as a "basis" to the study of Austrian Phaleristic. Best wishes, Elmar Lang

Hello Kev, your interesting Tapferkeitsmedaille, not bearing any engraver's signature (it should be that of Kautsch), as said is a private purchase piece (possibly also from the 1917-18 period). Officially struck and awarded pieces must have the engraver's signature ("Tautenheyn" for Franz Joseph TM 2nd Class and Bronze; "Leisek" for TM 1st Class) and usually marked "ZINK" or "ZINK HMA" on the edge. I don't have evidence of Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaillen, having been officially struck in zinc. Best wishes, Enzo

As a matter of interest, the medal was awarded ca. 2800 times, so we can consider it as uncommon. Best wishes, Enzo

A very interesting, rare and fine piece indeed. Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, just a short note about the "HMA" mark struck on the rim of the "Laeso Militi" medal. It doesn't mean "Heeres Material Amt", but "Haupt M?nz-Amt"; the name of the State Mint. The "Bosnisch-Erzegovinische Erinnerungsmedaille" is a fine medal, rarer than one would think. The piece shown here still retains its original matt-gilt finish. Honestly, I don't think it's a private-purchase piece, but -better- an award one. Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, it looks like a very fine piece, with the Emperor's bust still retaining the "matt" finish on the polished ground. Looking at the reverse picture, it seems that the suspension is broken at its attachement to the medal, but probably it's just a shadow. I hope that the piece wouldn't be marked "A" on the rim. Best wishes, Enzo

Hello Ulsterman, thank you for your words. I'll let my mother and my wife read this thread... Yes, I have some photos of my dad in Africa (not many, because my granparents' home in Turin suffered heavy damages after an air raid late in 1944). Dad was taken prisoner on July 3rd 1942 in the Qattara depression, fighting against New Zealander troops; sent to Alexandria, then to India, where he stayed for a short period in Dehra-Dhun, then in the prisoners' camp of Yol, where he remained until september 1946. After his return to Italy, he confirmed to remain in the Army, continuing his normal career of Artillery officer, being sent to the War College where he became Staff Officer; as a Major, he commanded an artillery Group (section of a Regiment), then he was sent to the "ABC" (Atomic, Biological, Chemical) warfare school in Rome, also serving at the Army General Staff; from then, He went to the NATO school in Oberammergau to join the courses of Nuclear warfare and in 1965 he became teacher of "Special Weapons Warfare" at the War College in Civitavecchia; in 1967-1968 he became commander of the 3rd Missile Artillery Regiment, then he returned to Civitavecchia at his post of teacher, now specialist in nuclear warfare and defense, going also to take specialised courses at Oberammergau. Promoted Major General in 1972 he was then tranferred to Verona where he became President of the Military Court; he retired in 1976 with the rank of Lieutenant General. He lived his retirement years in the countryside of Veneto, still continuing his studies, now as a hobby. I remember that he never felt "tired or bored" for not being on duty anymore, since he loved life and had lots of things to do. I'm not a boy anymore, but believe me, I'm still feeling like something of myself would have been torn away. As a son of an army officer, I've lived the typical life... moving from one city to another (13 moves in 18 years): he's always been a father, a friend and someone I could always talk about everything with confidence, also in his last months. Please excuse me for these perhaps too personal notes. Best wishes, Enzo P.S.: yes, he wore the '57 type Iron Crosses, because the Federal Republic confirmed the award.

Hello, I always think that to correctly judge a piece, the best thing should be to see it directly. A picture can help but it isn't enough. From what I can see, that Feldkappe looks like a modern copy, with fake inner stamps. Best wishes, Enzo (Elmar Lang)

Hello Brian, thank you for your kind words regarding my dad's war merits, although I went off the topic related to your original post. Yes, I'm proud of my father and, since he died on October 26th, 2008, I'm feeling quite sad also. Ok, he was nearly 91 years old, but remained present and clearly thinking until his last moments: this helped us a lot, to accept what was happening. Now, talking again about the "Al Valore" medals and to commemorate my dad's military past, I've tried here to translate into English the "Motivazione" of his Silver Medal for Military Valour; this text is always written on the medal's award document and is read in front of the troops while the medal is pinned to the recipient's uniform: Lieutenant (Artillery) Ennio Calabresi: "Commanding officer of a heavy anti-tank battery with the task to defend an important sector attacked by superior enemy armoured forces supported with strong artillery fire, he inflicted heavy loss to the enemy, forcing it to retreat a first time. Attacked again, and put under the direct fire of numerous enemy batteries that subsequently destroyed three of his guns and killed the majority of his gunners, being repeatedly wounded also himself, he intrepidly resisted, giving to the surviving soldiers his own faith and enthusiasm. When the chief-gunner of his last piece fell killed, he took his place, continuing the fire until the last surviving enemy tanks retreated behind their lines. An officer who distinguished himself on other occasions already, was again an example of the highest courage, to the limits of self-sacrifice. Bir el-Aslagh (Northern Africa), May 30th, 1942" (note: the area of Bir el-Aslagh, not far from Bir Hakeim, had the british nickname of "Knightsbridge"). After the war (and more than 4 years as a P.O.W. in India), he continued his career in the Army and retired in 1976 with the rank of Lieutenant General (Generale di Divisione). Each year, on May 30th, he remembered his soldiers and his enemies (of the British 22nd armoured brigade, if I correctly remember) fell on the field that day, by publishing an obituary announcement on a national newspaper. As said, for the same action, he also received the Iron Cross 1st Class, given to him personally from Gen. Rommel. Back to collecting, In Italy there are many, many collectors of these "Al Valore" medals. They're attractive and their design is fine. More, each piece is nearly unique, because of its naming. The best, is when a medal is found with the award document, that reports, besides the recipient's data, the "Motivazione" that is the detailed description of the act of gallantry. Personally, I regret that even an Italian citizen, possessing one of such medals would find a "wall" set up from the authorities, making any archival research almost impossible, unless finding an employee at the archive of the Ministry of Defense, acting "beyond the call of duty"... Sincerely, Enzo Calabresi (Elmar Lang)

Hello Gordon, I'll be glad to inspect my Iron Crowns and I'll try to take good pictures too. Anyways, I remember that the only "F.R" maks are those in the rectangle and the horizontal lozenge. I am sure that such marks are present on Rothe-made pieces only, and the usual gold marks. The same for pieces in silver. As said, on those made by other jewellers, like Mayer etc. there are, besides the usual gold and silver marks, the corresponding mark, with the initials, like "V.M", etc. Why haven't I ever been able to see a piece with the "F.R" mark and a jeweller's name different from Rothe? This thread is interesting because discussing about marks, can help on any other Austrian order or decoration made of gold or silver. Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, actually, there is no reference where to finde the lists of recipients of Italy's Medal for Valour. There's a book, published in the '30s with the list of all those who received the Gold Medal for Valour, from its institution (1833) until 1918. More difficult, is to find a list of the French recipients of the "Guerre d'Italie 1859" type: French authorities, simply obtained from Italy a number of unnamed medals that were awarded to French soldiers; then, the medals have been named in France. All names (and details of the action) are recorded in the "Bollettino Ufficiale del Regno d'Italia", where all laws and decrees were published. As we can imagine, looking for names and lists is a titanic work, especially because the date engraved on the medal, usually isn't that of the award decree. For example, my (late) father did an act of bravery, as an anti-tank battery commander, on May 30th 1942, being proposed for the Silver "Al Valore Militare" medal. The actual award happened in 1952 only and it was published on the "Gazzetta Ufficiale" (republican heir of kingdom's "Bollettino") in that year, although his medal is engraved "Bir el-Aslagh (A.S.) 30 Maggio 1942". I understand that between the act of bravery and the award, there was the retreat from Northern Africa and a lost war, etc. ... but he received the German Iron Cross 1st Class on May 31st, 1942. Excuse me for this nearly off-topic detail. All records (hopefully) of the "Al Valore" medals are preserved at our Ministry of Defense's archive but, due to financial problems, most papers aren't digitalized and they need a long research. Add to this that due to our latest "privacy law", informations about Bravery Medals can be requested from direct descendants only... Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, the mystery about the EKO 1st Class in auction is solved: it will be sold in New York in January, and it's a very fine set indeed. There's still a "question mark" on top of my head: until now, I can't understand what would the "F.R" code mean ("Fabelhafte.Realit?t"?...); honestly, I don't know. In my collection, I have many Iron Crowns and, after Christmas I'll go and take them home to thoroughly check again their marks. I am sure that my EKO collar (in gold) has all the links marked with the "F.R" (in the rectangle); the "Gemsenkopf" and the centre link (where the badge is suspended), besides the mentioned marks, is signed per extenso with the name of Rothe in finely engraved capitals. I've never seen pieces made -for instance- by Mayer's S?hne, with the "F.R" mark, but they are struck with the "V.M" one, same as those made by Rozet & Fischmeister (yes, that firm produced wonderful pieces!) are struck with the "R&F" mark, besides the gold or silver content marks. All of them, don't bear any "F.R" mark. The copies of Rothe, made after WW1, are well identifiable from many details; and they can very difficultly deceive a collector. Though, I've seen later copies of Rothe, "updated" with fake 1866-1922 marks. Such pieces found their place in collections, in the same years when the market was flooded with fake orders of the old German states. Best wishes, Enzo P.S.: looking at the scan of that marks' page, I've noticed that it shows silver marks (not gold ones): please see the "crescent" on Diana's head; the greyhound's head is for silver too. on the page's left there are some gold marks ("750") etc. In my opinion, that catalogue needs some corrections.

Hello, it is sure that one of the two "parties" involved in this topic, is right. Just asking, I would like to know what should the "FR" mean (if it's a taxation mark), since similar markings are with the "JR" (Josef Resch); "VM" (Vinzenz Mayer's S?hne) etc., usually accompanied with the silver mark (the "Diana's head", "Greyhound", "Chamois' head", etc.) and the "A" (if Vienna). Best wishes, Enzo

Hello, I would like to add that the FR mark is the signature of Rothe, Vienna. Gold is stamped, for example, with the "Gemsenkopf" or chamois' head if the piece was made of .750 gold. Perhaps, I should read some reference book again, but I don't know what would the "FR" letters mean, if it should represent the "tax-paid" mark. Thank you for any help and best wishes, Enzo P.S.: I think I've missed this interesting Iron Crown for sale!...

I've focused my interests on a numbered Skanderbeg 3rd Class, and I've missed this one! I need a new pair of glasses... Enzo

You're welcome. I'm glad if I can be of help. Enzo

Hello, swords have been instituted in 1916, to indicate merit in the presence of the enemy, as an addition to the old "Kriegsdekoration": this device appears to be sewn on ribbons, or fixed by means of metal wires soldered on the back. Swords are made of gilt brass, but there's evidence of them made also of Kriegsmetall (zinc alloy) or, rarely, of gilt silver or even gold. Best wishes, Enzo

Hmmm... I think I've seen Bob's fine piece already... Enzo

Hello, I'll be happy to write in the Forum my impressions about the "Red Auction". But please allow me to have some rest, after nearly 10 hours spent standing, hammering the sale in English and/or German. Today, I'm in my office (it's Sunday...) doing administrative things and answering to clients' questions, etc. Best wishes, Enzo