Daniel Murphy

Les, Great untouched (except for the loops maybe) officer pattern bluse. I knew it right off without the hints. Train in this case refers to the supply train. Instead of clocks and schedules, this man would would more likely be completing requisition forms and deciding how much of each type of item to send to each unit. That plus, perhaps, running a little black market on the side. Each train battalion was attached to an army corps. Therefore the hint for 1,2 or 3 on the boards referred to which Bavarian army corps it was attached to. They contained supply, medical and postal detachments to name a few. The railway units were the Eisenbahn battalions. Can you tell if there were ever any NCO disks on the collar? Most men of this rank were promoted from senior NCO rank (Sergeanten, Vizefeldwebel) and would have had disks. Dan Murphy

If I remember correctly there was one of these in "The Iron Time". It is indeed a commemorative medal for that regiment. I feel the ribbon may be incorrect though. That looks more like a long service ribbon. Dan Murphy

I do not think it is TR. I would say it is a late war/post war EK and if in brass/bronze, it is in immaculate condition. Dan Murphy

Dan, This plaque was made, as shown, in 1888. A very historic and also very depressing year. It is called "The year of three Kaisers". On March 9, the venerable Kaiser Wilhelm (I) died and his son Crown Prince Friedrich was crowned Kaiser Friedrich III on March 12, 1888. He reigned for 99 days and then died from throat cancer on June 15, 1888. The same day Crown Prince Wilhelm was crowned Kaiser Wilhelm II. And the rest is history.... Dan Murphy

I have never seen this before. This ribbon was used with combattant versions of the Franz Josef Order, the Military Merit Order, the various bravery medals and the the Cross of Merit. It is not from the MMO, or the bravery medals, so scratch those. A gold crown alone could represent the Golden Cross of Merit with Crown, but this was not worn with a war decoration (the green laurel wreath), so scratch that. That only leaves the Franz Josef Order with War Decoration in the lowest class, since this is not a kleine decoration (mini of a higher class worn on the ribbon in the field). This is only a guess, but it is the best one I have. Dan Murphy

Alexandre, Here is the thread with medal and order abbreviations that was posted by Stogieman and added to by Rick Research. It is "pinned" at the top of this forum for easy reference. Dan Murphy German medal and order abbreviations

Here is an ink stamp on the inside brim. The maker is "CAS" and the size is 66. I did not think to take a photo of the mm. If anyone has any questions or would like to see pics of some feature let me know. Sorry about the pictures, taken inside at night, they just did not turn out as good as I wanted.

Here is a close up of one of the pads showing an issue stamp dated 1917. The marking on the right is upside down and is "R 18". One of the other pads has initials on it and this may be the mans regiment. Also notice the patterned cloth used to make the pouch for the cushions. It is the same on all three.

Liner. All of the pads are there, but missing a couple tongues and the cushions.

Rear.

Other side.

Side view. All of the exterior paint shows coarse brush strokes.

I mentioned this helmet on the other Austrian helmet thread and as requested, decided to get it out and post it. This is the M17 variation with the metal liner band and has the "skunk stripe" camo. Once you see the photos, the reason for the name is obvious. Austrian Camos are rare, but when seen, this is sometimes what they look like. Now for the helmet, here is the front view. Dan Murphy

What bothers me the most are the ribbons. One is dirty, yet another is clean. One is tattered and another is crisp. It does not add up. Plus the extensive wear on the China service medal is indicative of a medal that has been lying around loose for decades. It does not look like it has been on a medal bar since 1901. Dan Murphy

Chet, I was thinking the exact same thing when I saw it, but the color was odd. I shall have to pay more attention to my intuition from now on. That is a fantastic bar and I know that someone will be able to put a name on it. Dan Murphy

Matthias, That may not be the best EK in terms of workmanship, but it is a historical beauty in it's own right as it tells it's own story. The king was awarding these in quantities before he ever got them "in hand" and the makers were constantly being told to hurry up and make more. Since these were made up from over 20 pieces, trying to do a rush job on them inevitably led to what we see here. Still, I can only dream of having one such as this. Dan Murphy

That is a great condition helmet! You have a right to be proud of it. This makes me want to pull my camo out and show it off. Dan Murphy

Les, That is one great uniform and unique with the late war NCO borte and piped boards. Is there any name or ID? Dan Murphy

Dan, Great badges. I have no doubt you will complete your set of navals and cutouts. Don't worry about the setbacks, I had a complete set of cutouts, navals and regulars stolen from me at a show and I bounced back with a better and bigger collection. Here is an old thread in wound badges, it shows mine (including my set of prinzens). I think you will enjoy it. Dan Murphy Wound badges

Mark, Great job on the research and that is one fantastic group you have there. Keep up the good work, and I will be on the lookout for that postcard. Dan Murphy

Rick, You continue to amaze us by always pulling that proverbial rabbit out of the hat. Great job. I was thinking the same as Mike, with that station masters story just recently posted, "Hmm, whose kitchen master would you have to be to be showered with decorations?". Dan Murphy

Dan, I think that is the only complete set I have seen......besides mine. Mine appear to be vitually identical and I acquired mine many years ago as well. I actually got four, with two black versions. My best friend ended up with the extra. Occasionally one comes up for sale, usually black, but no sets. Dan Murphy

Just continues to show that you can never say never in collecting Imperial German. Great job Rick and Rick. Dan Murphy

Micha, I don't think I have ever really seen one of these before, but I looked back through my photo archive and found one on a NC medal bar. The ribbon that Heiko showed is indeed correct. Dan Murphy

Having never seen a real full rayed back Bavarian badge, and having only seen the smooth back on the retired pilot badge, I will defer to you on this. Your word on this is enough, you have seen many more than I ever will. I have edited my post above to reflect that. Dan Murphy