Jaybo

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.

Hi

Need a little help on bring some ligth on to this medal....I believe it is a napoleonic eagle but do not know of what period/empire, it is made of silver (with marks on the handle), but the rest I do not know!!!!Any help here???

That appears to be one of the mid-19th century French medals made by various 'societes' that were honoring the 'debris' if the Grande Armee. See the book on the subject by Morerau poblished in 1987.

Thanks in advance....

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.

The 94th was entitled to these, Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector clasps.

The 93rd was entitled to these, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector clasps.

This is what each of these two Units would have entitled to up to 1922. As to what each man received I am not sure.

Yet, In 1922 there were slight changes made to a few of the different units clasp count. But by then 97% of the medals had already been issued so I fell it did not factor in what your man received and would have been more for historical count.

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.................

Hi Dave,

Thank you very much for that incredibly valuable research. Where, may I ask, did you find that information? I'm trying to find out as much as I can about Major Huffer's career. I believe that he received the Medaille Militaire as well as the Croix de Guerre with, as you indicated, 3 palmes and two etoiles. Thanks to you I now know that he recieved his first CdG in 1916. I presume that he would have received his Medaille Militaire in 1917 or even 1918? He would also have received the US Victory medal. I do not know what bars he would have been entitled to however on his Victory Medal. Perhaps only the "Defensive Sector" but I'm not certain. He was CO of the 94th Aero Squadron (Rickenbacker's unit) before becoming the CO of the 93rd. Would he also have been entitled to the French Victory medal as well? Was that done by Americans switching over from French or British service to American service after the US entered the war? Unfortunately, his original medals were lost in a Paris flood years ago I'm told. I have his original US bullion wings as well as an autographed photo.

Jay

Thank you Bison. That is helpful. My guy would have had either Type 4, 5, or 6 then it appears. I noticed that some appear to be silver and others something else. Is that just done at the whim of the manufacturer?

Jay