Paul R

I found this treasure during my deployment overseas. I was initially so upset by the jeering salesman that I almost punched him in the mouth. But, I thought about it and paid the money to the suprised man. The reason I bought it is that it reminded me why I voluteered for the deployment. Also, I wanted something that reflected the mentality of the people we were up against. BTW, I bought this from a street souk in a FRIENDLY country!!

I was attracted to the Soviet medals and orders because of their beauty and associated history. Since I was a junior rank in the military, most were very obtainable for me. That was a huge plus! Now... there is no way I would ever be able to touch a lot of what I have residing in my collection! I just wish I had grabbed more! I wanted an Alexander Nevsky, but 250 dollars was too expensive ... now... that will not happen.

What is the best way to clean these?

And some uncleaned coins!

And a Bronze arrow head. I think that this is Greek. What are your thoughts? What would have been the time era for this one?

Here are some items that are not German or LW related. The first is an old iron spear head. I was informed that it was Roman. Can someone give me a time era?

That is an amazing account. I wonder if he survived the war? COD is a great game, BTW!

It is the most attractive Svoiet uniform I have seen!!!

Thanks Antti! BTW, Happy Belated birthday!

Thanks SPM! Are the correct silver pendants hallmarked? Thanks again!

Reverse... I can see the ribbing you were referring to in the 1866 medal. I do not see the ribbing in the ring of the 1871 medal. Also, it seems that there is an actual difference in the actual 1866 medal pendant as well. I did not know that the medallions were different, between combatant and non combatant.

Here is my combatant bar...

That is a great bar!!

Thanks for your comments. I had no idea, about the grooves in the ring... When I intially read Micha's post , I thought that these medals were a reproduction. Does the fact that these medals are not actual issue pieces hurt the overall value? Is there a way to deterine when this bar would have been made? Still pre 1900?

Jacques, What is the second medal on the bar you posted a couple of posts ago? I have never seen that medal before!!

My goodness, you certainly do! Very colorful. This is what actually initially attracted me to collecting LW. I love bright and colorful things!!! I really like those ATC tabs!

Thanks for the kind comments. While I am here, I want to thank the two Ricks who helped me with some questions on the bar during the negotiation phase. Are there any 1866-70 specialists here? I am just looking for some statical information. I know that these are rare, but I am just wondering how rare. Scott, I know that this is off topic, but I love your avatar. Is that yours?!?!

I want to share with you my newest 1866/70 medal bar. It is not too glamorous, but I think it special. It is the only Non-Combatant 1866 I have ever seen.

Thank you for sharing with us your beautiful uniform. I really like the orange waffenfarbe. The Unterfeldwebel rank is a true rarity as well!!

Awesome bar, Nick!!!

Beautiful Bill!!! You dont have too many more to find!

Here is the before shot!! I kept the yellow flight tabs and the carmine one.

XEN, First of all, welcome to the forum. Secondly, I was not around during WW2 to verify first hand a side to this dicussion. I do not collect in this speciality. You are right in that there are tons of variables and non standard pieces. But at the same time, Bob has been collecting this stuff for well over 50 years. How many people can say they have 50 years of experience in anything? The war was only over for just over 10 years when Bob started collecting. Tons of this stuff was readily available and not really desireable for collectors. I am sure that Bob has seen and forgotten more than you and I have combined. With that being said, I would trust his expertice and knowledge over any printed non period reference on the market. Joe is right... we are all members at this forum to learn from one another(hopefully). There should never be a need for hard feelings. There is nothing wrong with having varying opinions. We are all friends here! Just my take. Merry Christmas. Regards Paul

I think that the possiblity exists, but I doubt it. I would love to hear the thoughts of others!

I cant help you with any information, but I have to say that you have a hard to beat set of photos. I hope that someone will be able to give you some more background information.