VtwinVince

Hmmm, very interesting discussion. My knowledge of K.u.K badges is fairly weak, and I tend to avoid making any pronouncements due to the level of fakery. However, I'm going with my original feeling about this one, that the engraving is period and not some shambolic faker's attempt at enhancing value. Why this curious engraving is on this particular badge is certainly mysterious, but should not be dismissed outright.

This is a bar that needs to be examined 'in hand', I agree that there are some discrepancies that are cause for concern. It is theoretically possible to have the KVK and the Albert, although some argue that this was against statutes. I have a bar with a KVK and war awards, so I think it was possible. The construction is not good, and the photo of the clasp is not sufficient to render an opinion.

Also, just as an FYI, there are many purveyors of fake junk over at WAF, I was a member there for many years, so I know.

Cool, you don't often see mini-fracks of this size.

I've never seen one with that type of catch. Here are my examples.

Agree with John, beautiful badge and the engraving is absolutely correct.

Hmmm, great photo with the rare bay. Fliegererinnerungsabzeichen. Hermann von ????

I see Ludendorff in there, and the Bavarian general is an MMJO recipient, so should be easier to put a name on him.

The oval mounting plate is known, but I've never seen that pin before either.

I'm digging that stickpin.

Nice one Scott, and that is a Swedish award example.

Can you post some images of the u-boat stickpin?

I agree with Sascha, bad provenance.

Thanks for your comments.

Here are a couple of bars, as you can see the top one has the Merit Crosses of the Albert and Merit Orders, with the precedence inverted. The second has the expected order. The third is a Scharffenberg creation which uses the tailor hooks. Sorry about the orientation of the images, not sure why that happened.

OK, I'll get some out to illustrate my points.

LOL, has the Order of St. Fauci been established yet?

I've been a collector of Saxon bars for many years, and I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss this one. Firstly, I don't know what happened to the device on the Merit Order. Secondly, the precedence can vary regarding the Albert and Merit Orders, I have bars where one takes precedence, or the other. Thirdly, Scharffenberg DID use hooks for mounting decorations, I have a bar with the St. Henry Order which contradicts your statement. The use of this label can also be explained. I agree that the reverse hardware is not typical, but this is not sufficient for me to dismiss this one.

As I said earlier, those two are fine examples. especially the first one with the silver merit medal with clasp.

I agree, the market was quite different online even a few years ago. I remember seeing a genuine early Hossauer Black Eagle Order sell for scrap gold value (unfortunately I missed the auction). That would never happen in this day and age.

Thanks for the images, truly fantastic material. The documents are also first rate.

I had the same reaction to the Oldenburg merit cross, as well as the RAO medal, those do not look period to me. The rest of the bar is convincing.

This is a great Nachlass, please post images of the award documents.

Holzauge, sei wachsam.

Yes, very nice indeed. Can you post images of the KO4mS and the clasp on the colonial medal? I would also be interested to see the reverse of the bar. Are you sure on the spelling of this officer's name?