Tim B

Hi Dieter! That's a nice Tashio era Golden Kite 6th class!! Is that yours? Yes, the questions you are asking are good points and I have asked Paul sometime back (might be an old Kite thread here?) about this transistion period where cases/parts/existing supplies might have been utilized. If I remember correctly, Paul thought it more a case of someone putting the wrong case with the medal, which we see all the time on eBay items. With that said, there is certainly a need for more information in this field and a strong need for examples with provenance to come forward to use as "solid" references. The other matter for me, that I would like to see more definitive evidence of, is the period differences on the Sacred Treasure "mirrors". I see these variations in different combinations all the time and some are pretty indicative of being original to one another, yet totally contrary to what we think is the norm. For sure, an interesting field. Tim

Not sure if anyone else has this problem or not, but my computer locked up twice accessing that link in post #1. Happens when I try to exit and I have to hard shutdown my laptop to close it. Anyway, you have to be a Facebook member to download the BB&B catalog and I won't be using that link again. Haven't had a chance to start looking through the information that Sarge Booker provided, but it looks great what I have seen! Thank you for your efforts! Tim

Hi Dieter! No, not Tashio in this case and actually, I have never seen a Tashio 6th class example at all. Sure they must exist, but IMO, if any of these were actually considered rare in the true collector's term of RARE, it would be the Tashio era pieces. Here's a shot of a 7th class Kite (Tahsio) and you can see the areas highlighted in red. Not the best PIC's and I really need to reshoot my collection and quit using these old file PIC's for reference as they just don't have the enlargment quality to show details for threads like this. Anyway, note the following: - Note the slight difference in the bird's head and neck; almost a bit fatter in the neck and less surface detailing compared to the Showa examples. - Note how the longest feather tip on both wings is actually bent slightly downward on Tashio examples. - Finally, and the easiest point to check, is the roundel on the shield. This roundel was present on the Meiji era Kites but is not on the Showa era examples. If you look closely at the piece that sold on auction, you'll see it is not present. So, clearly a Showa 6th class example. Tim :beer:

taquito22, Just a quick reference shot here of a Meiji style Kite on a 7th class example. Note the tips. In several years shopping eBay, I have only seen two 6th class Meiji examples for sale and those were a few years ago. Tim

A closer look at the wingtips.

Well, first a slight correction is due. That auction was not a Meiji era 6th class Kite, it was a Showa era example. I'll post a couple of PIC's below to verify that. The Meiji style is different. Price was way too high IMO, considering condition and like others noted, compared to other examples selling on eBay. It was just a case of a couple of bidders that had to have it and cost was apparently not a concern. The third highest bidder (out of 14 total) quit at $385. which was still a bit high, but certainly closer to what these have been selling for. I guess when you really want it... There will be better examples for sale down the road. Tim

Thank you! :beer:

These are such beautiful awards! I have a question on levels of this award; exactly, what is the difference between the ones with a crown and those without? Tim

Selling venues like eBay can provide some really great opportunities however, there is a plus and minus side to buyers. On one hand, you can get some really great deals, on the other side you have other bidders that sometimes bid these ridiculous prices for one reason or another. Like Dieter stated, some just have to have the item for whatever reason and money appears to be of no concern. I would agree in this case, the price realized was excessive. I have seen more and more bidders that appear to be "spoilers" and either drive prices up and then walk away, never intending to actually win, or desiring to win the auction and sometimes these guys get caught by being the highest bidder. Often they don't follow through and hence the 2nd chance offers. I often wonder how many have proxy bidders as well. Bottom line; know what you're after, what the reasonable value is and remember that there will usually be another one offered somewhere down the road, probably in better shape. Tim

Hi Sergio, Both are very nice but, I think you picked the best one also. A real beauty IMO! The nice thing about these LoH is the wide variety of styles. Congrats again! Tim

You might be thinking of the Austrian Long Service Cross' thread. I posted an example of a 25yr officer's cross with the mother of pearl reverse and was told this as well. This is the first time I have seen one of these jubliee medals with a white reverse. Sharp looking! Tim

Hi Sergio, Hard to say exactly but, clearly 3rd Republic, which would cover all three periods you're asking about up till around 1951/1952 timeframe. I would say the center mark in post #15 is the "boar's head" for silver content but impossible to really make out the others with these PIC's. It looks to be a very nicely made and conditioned example! Congrats!! Tim :beer:

Hi Sergio, You may need to take a real close look and some enlarged PIC's of the area shown in post #6 for starters. These marks are hard to identify as it is and large, detailed PIC's are necessary. Here's a couple of links that might be of some help: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/44224-french-makers-marks-hallmarks-guarantee-stamps/ http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/35662-legion-of-honor-officer/ http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/44171-legion-of-honor-knight/ Tim :cheers:

Dan, If it's a cast of an original, then its a damn good casting. I have seen some of these with, what looks to be pitting, but have been told some of these were not always as crisp in details as others. I will say that I see a lot of good traits with it compared to things I don't like and have seen badges in worse condition get the thumbs up. The hardware is not normal for Schott but, I have seen some variations over the years. The pin is definately a modern replacement IMO (if replacement of course, but looks modern to me). Do you have the dimensions and weight as I'm curious to see how it compares to my badge. Hey, if you don't want it, let me know. If nothing else, it will be a good case study on Schott fakes, as I have seen my share of them and this is one of the closer examples IMO. If fake, definately meant to deceive. Let me know, Tim :cheers:

Uh Dan, I think you might want to double-check that Schott badge. I suspect it's good with a possible pin replacement. But, hey, if you don't want it, let me know and I'll take that "fake" off your hands. Tim

Hi Gordon, No, the price I quoted earlier was in USD, not Pounds but, I do see where that leaves you my friend! I'm not sure we're going to see much drop in any prices though, as those selling them probably will not sell at a loss and only hold onto them. Wish they would discontinue the series at this point but they are too popular I'm afraid. Tim :beer:

Hi Dieter! Actually, I think your PIC's are pretty nice as they appear sharp, have correct coloration, and show the items at nice angles to give depth in the photos. I understand the desire for better PIC's, I am not happy with mine at all either. I use an old Sony Mavica (3.2 megapixels) on a tripod and have a secondary hand-held spot for highlighting. However, the Japanese items are tricky getting accurate PIC's due to glare coming off the lacquer boxes and sometimes these awards are so minty, they shine too much. I really need to reshoot all my Japanese items at this point. Anyway, you're doing a great job IMO and thanks for showing your collection pieces! Tim

Well, spot silver is hovering around $29. - $30./oz at the moment, so I figure the coins are going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $35. USD for the UNC examples. Haven't been to any shows yet this year but will post a follow-up once I know what is being asked around here. Tim

Well, somebody wanted it more than I did but, I did manage to get that Portuguese War Cross afterall. Many thanks all, and now I have something different to hunt for. Tim

Very nice Dieter! And...excellent PIC's! Tim

Well, I finally added one to my collection and am quite happy with it. Tim

Another Huguenin Frères example, this one with the tri-fold ribbon. Pretty much identical other than the ribbon and perhaps a bit brighter gilding to the cross. I really like the look with the tri-fold! Tim

Thanks Peter! Tim

Perhaps, but glue from someone that glued a bunch of mixed medals to a display board has nothing to do with the history of the award or any pride of ownership IMO. I'm happy with my decision. Tim

Front/back: Seems the Korea vintage pieces also had this setup, but I am not totally sure exactly when it changed. I wish they would find some SS's!! Tim