Jaybo

Very nice. This thread is my favorite on the site.

Thanks Nick. I assume that the faking is largely done in Russia, correct? Are the fakes cast copies or are the original dies still out there? It is a fascinating though depressing black market in action out there.

This is a very disturbing thread (as it should be, alas). I will be looking at some of my pieces in a new way! Nick, are you aware of anyone faking the Preussichs-Eylau Cross of 1807? Some years ago I purchased a purported 'Novodel' 19th century copy from one of the 2 major Russian dealers in the U.S. It was reasonable and sold as a copy (in brass). I had it guilded for my Napoleonic collection since the dealer told me that such original crosses are just not available on the market. Since it was originally crudely made like most St. George's, I'm surprised that I haven't seen those for sale by the fakers. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Not that I doubt your judgement (I don't), but how does one determine that they are fakes? I have some WW I era St. George Crosses bought years ago and they are all crudely made. The thing about your fake examples that betray them to me is their newly minted shine.

Thanks Chris. That is what I was looking for.

Keep these coming gentlemen.

War IS hell.

Gentlemen, Can any of you provide with the dimensions of an original set of a pilot's collar wings? I'm looking to have a set made for a group since I cannot find an original set. Thanks! Jay

La victoire est a nous!

As well as the Battle of Austerlitz.

I'm sorry that I missed it. I would have loved to pick up one of those veteran eagle devices of the post-Napoleonic period.

This is wonderful thread. Well done slava.

Yes, it is already on my favorites (which is unbelievably long!).

Hi Larry, Thanks for the reply. Yes, your response has been helpful. I too have that Osprey book. I also have an issue of "Soldats Napoleoniens" # 8 which includes an article by Gerard GOROKHOFF which deals with the Russian standards captured by the French at Austerlitz. It indicates the 1800 model of black and red as you have stated. Unfortunately, it also has a picture of the standard in question as being yellow and white? I think that the text under the depiction must have been done in error. Do you know more about the 'inspections' concept? It appears that the regiments assigned to each 'inspection' have no geographical relevance (i.e.-Arkhangel Regt. to the Lithuania 'inspection'. Thanks again. Jay

Gentlemen, Are any of you 'experten' in the standards/colors of the Napoleonic Wars? I'm particularly interested in what was the color scheme of the Arkhangel Musketeer Regiment whose colored 1800 model flag was captured by chef d'escadron Jacquemin at Austerlitz in 1805. My sources are in conflict. Was it black & red, yellow & white or yet something else. Thanks. All the best, Jay

Wonderful documents Jimmy. Keep them coming!

Great story Chris. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Hello Dave, Today I received numerous copies of letters, newspaper clippings, photos from the Bentley Historical Library at our alma mater, the University of Michigan. I have just glanced through them but it the information looks like a fascinating insight into Judge McAllister's war experiences. He won the Croix de Guerre for starters! More later.... Jay

Thanks for posting this update. Vive la France! Jay

Thanks Jim.

Hi Jim, Thanks for the input. Its not that I question your expertise on this point (I have none!), but may I ask what is your refernce for the battle clasps for the 93rd & 94th Aero Squadrons? Thanks. Jay

Dave, Does the Hall-Nordhoff book mention a Thomas Francis McAllister from Grand Rapids, MI who served late in the war with SPA 285? I knew him as a little boy. He was a local Federal Magistrate as well as a fellow Uiversity of Michigan alum......Thanks. Jay

Hello Dave, What can I say but thank you very much.....superbe! That is what makes this group so great......wonderful friendship & advice. GOD bless. Jay

Then of course, there is the entirely different issue of the LaFayette Flying Corps Medal.................