Elmar Lang

A group of II Class crosses:

The reverse side:

Hello,

I would like to expand this interesting topic, adding some pictures of the higher classes of this important award, as instituted from 1914 onwards.

First, a series of I Class crosses, beginning with those with KD and KD/Swords (the latter, belonged to FM Conrad v. Hötzendorf); the other pieces of the type with lower grade KD and/or Swords and for peacetime. I also add a picture of the reverse.

The II Class crosses, besides the typical KD and KD/Swords, show a rare KD/Swords for 2nd award (with laurel leaves' suspension) and a KD 2nd Class-Swords 3rd Class.

The last picture, shows different types of early and later crosses (III Class).

All pieces are from my collection.

Best wishes,

Elmar Lang

Hello,

this fine post-1938 medal bar, belonged to a brave NCO of the former Imperial Austrian armed forces (passed into the Wehrmacht after the Anschluss), shows a less fading of the first medal's ribbon.

As stated, the reason could just be the type of dye, since the reverse picture doesn't show any sign of some "creative" work on it.

Best wishes,

Elmar Lang

So, you're the happy owner of a very fine, perfectly regular Militärverdienstkreuz III Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern with the bar for second award made by the typical, official supplier of such pieces. The green enamelled KD is a "plus".

Best wishes,

Elmar Lang

Hello,

yes, a fine cross made by Mayer's Söhne of Vienna, of the variation with green enamelled Kriegsdekoration.

The bar with sword for second award is not common, as said by Iver already. Is the bar struck on the reverse with any mark (Zimbler, etc.)?

Best wishes,

Elmar Lang

That's very interesting indeed!

In 1984, I wrote to Hancocks, asking if it would have been possible to purchase a copy VC, but they kindly replied that it was impossible, for the reasons said in my post.

I think I would like to add such a specimen to my collection now...

Best wishes,

E.L.

Hello,

I've been informed that Hancock doesn't sell replica VCs to private collectors.

They make copies only on official request of public intitutions like museums, etc.

Best wishes,

E.L.

Very interesting: the eBay piece seems exactly the same sold at Künker's.

It seems that many collectors don't pay attention to room-based auctions (or catalogues) and feel more comfortable buying on eBay.

Dis-comfort comes later...

Enzo (E.L.)

Found it!

After a quick research, this same cross should be the one sold for Euro 1.500,- plus commission (estimate price Euro 200,-) at Künker's sale of Oct. 2nd 2009, lot 8660, there correctly described as a copy.

E.L.

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

A very nice show indeed!

When visiting it, I would also suggest a gastronomic stop at the Gasthaus und Metzgerei "Krone" (Späth family), where I've experienced excellent kitchen and family-like care.

After a day of medals, orders and militaria, a "recreation" is necessary!

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