Chip

Otto, I don't think your friend knows very much about steins! Can you show us what the body of the stein looks like? Chip

Daniel, Those Schn?rschuhe were actually the standard issue up until 1914, when Prussia authorized the front lace version that we are all more familiar with. Chip

I like it because it is the deep blue version. Chip

It's called the Richard Prior facial! The insignia is unofficial and one of many that were authorized by divisional commanders, etc. One noteworthy example was the 12th Division, which further identified its units by sewing loops of different colored cloth at the base of the shoulder straps (I have three such examples, two from infantry regiments and one from the stretcher bearer company). Another division wore something similar to the soldier in your photo, that is, a combination of geometric shapes on the sleeve to denote the unit within the division. This soldier has a shoulder board that looks like it might have the edging braid (Tresse) and metal unit number of an Offizierstellvertreter. Chip

Rosenberg, These are very common and not reproduced that I know of. A good look at the the framing job could give you some clues as to whether it has been recently disturbed. I wouild doubt it. Chip

Paul, The dates of service are on the glass! Chip

Paul, The dates of service are on the glass! Chip

Rick, I don't think so. Chip

Though not a great quality photo, here is a picture of a friend's machine gun company prize from 1913.. Chip

Rick, Here is a picture of the marking on the back of my Junker made 1908 infantry award. Unfortunately, most of the original silver wash finish is gone, leaving a surface that is somewhat hard to read through Chip

Dave, I'm sorry. I thought your original comment said something about a Nachrichten Abteilung and therefore you thought that the underlay was dark green. I guess I don't know what you meant. Chip

Tom, This crown does not look like they typical imperial era shoulder board crown. Most of them were stamped. The only ones I have seen that are flat on the back are those for the extra thick cyphers and crowns, which varied according to regimental standards. Whatever it is, the board itself is not imperial. As you say, these devices appear to have been on your boards for a while. One can plainly see that, but while interesting, it really doesn't mean much. Chip

Here is a Bavarian Feuerwerksoffizier. The underlay is black.

Tom, The crown would be an erroneous addition. No crowns that I can think of on Nazi era boards. Someone just stuck it on there. Your second strap is also altered. It started life as a Saxon junior medical officer's (doctor) board. The "BL" is, in my estimation, a civilian device, once again, added at some later date. Attached is a picture of a similar Saxon board, to give you an impression of what it originally looked like. This one is the M1915 field pattern, while yours would have been for Kleiner Rock or Friedensuniform. Dave, The underlay on the MW officer's board is black. Sorry if it looks like dark green. This is a standard pattern MW board. I also have this officer's black velvet/silver bullion sleeve patch that would have been worn just prior to this pattern of strap being introduced.

So many stories, so little time. Thanks for this one. Chip

To keep the original thread going, here is another interesting piece.

Willkommen Kurt! It is even more rare to see this buckle still attached to the brocade belt. Quite a gem. Chip

Dave, The shape of the two tabs are not the same, and thus not reversable from one side of the collar to the other. The tailor must have put the Tresse in the wrong place? Christophe, Your Kragenpatten are not reproductions. I am not sure what they are, but they definitely do not go with the beautiful officer's boards that you have shown. Chip

Rick, The backing for the overcoat tabs of the See Bataillon was white, but the Litzen were yellow. Like Dave, I cannot find any prewar unit with an all white insignia. Here is an example of the 1910 version of the See Bataillon enlisted collar Litzen for the tunic. The center section is field gray. Chip

Rick, First of all, you are correct, these are enlisted Kragenpatten. You will notice, if you can make it out, that Dave's collar Litzen are in matt silver thread. This enlisted version has white cotton Litzen. M07/10 enlisted Litzen were sewn directly on to the collar with no backing material. These, therefore, must be overcoat tabs, which were still being worn when the war started. Chip

Rick, So what then are the silver awards that I have seen? Chip

No idea what happened to the crews, but much that was on these ships was removed when they were refitted. I have a set of navy landing troops gear taken off of one of these interned ships. At one time, the Philadelphia shipyards stored a host of military items taken off of these ships. Another item I saw from this stuff was a beautiful pair of brass navy flare pistols in the original wooden case. Neat stuff! Chip

Stogie, Beautiful document and quite scarce. I once saw in a collection back East, the officer's version. The company commander was awarded a silver plaque in the shape of a shield, topped by a Kaiser crown with flags and trophy display. It was wonderfully inscribed to the individual. Exceedingly rare, as you can imagine. I think I have pictures somewhere of another one that sold on ebay a few years ago. As I recall, it brought thousands of dollars. Chip

Chris, I think I have listed these before in another post, but EKII 12/17 EKII 06/18 I'll have to do some digging to find others. Chip

Der Spiess is not pleased! Chip