Tim B

:off topic: Well, I received the Albanian Star this morning and it is in fact the same Star as the one shown in previous post #154. Really nice! A very simple design and the star stands out quite bold against the gold. It's really massive too, not just in looks, but weight! I would venture a guess its heavier than the other stars by the Soviet Union or Yugoslavia but I haven't sat down and weighed it yet. As I do not wish to take this thread any further off topic, I'll continuing comments on it over at the Albanian side. Tim

My post got dropped...trying again. I got this star in today and it is the same one as that pictured above in the last post. As nice if not nicer in hand and MASSIVE! This thing it heavy and though I haven't weighed it yet, think its heavier than the Soviet Red Star or OGPW Stars. Definately more than the Yugoslavian pieces. Very nice and the seller still has some 1st class left. (Qty: ?) He has no 2nd or 3rd class pieces though. I want to add that he also has one Soviet made solid gold one for sale. I have some PICS of it and its quite nice, but he wants $1000. for it and that's out of my price range for the moment. If interested, send me a PM and I can send the PICS and forward the address. Tim

In October 1914, the entire Belgian Army was called to defend the Yser and stop the German advance to the sea. Their actions during this two week period stopped the advance which later allowed the opening for a Western Front and showed the Germans that the Belgians would not be knocked out of the war early on. At an incredible cost of over 60,000 Belgian soldiers, a third of the entire army, the victory gave the Belgian people a renewed sense of hope. One of the commemoratives that are often seen on the market include this table medal (coin). What I didn't know for sometime was that it was actually in two different languages and I assume this was done depending on what language the soldier spoke? 1)Homage to "solider's name" 3) holder of the fire card My 2nd question deals with 2) What does the "A" or "AAN" represent? Thanks, Tim

Well guys, I received an email from John today and he was traveling back & forth between Serbia and the U. K., has shipped the items and apologies for the lack of communications, so it looks like if might end well afterall! Thanks to all here for the encouraging words and info on this seller, it helped a lot! Tim I'll post the two when I get em.

I think he told me he was on holidays, maybe in England. Just kidding, hope it works out as I really want the two badges! Tim

Thanks everyone! My concern deals mostly with the total lack of communications. I won the two items, sent a message requesting a total with combined shipping and then nothing. I usually pay immediately and held off until I heard back from him on a total, and after three days went ahead and paid shipping on both items to see if that would generate any reply, still nothing. Even tried his direct email address off Paypal and...you know the answer. So, do you think maybe he might be on vacation, in the hospital, ??? Anyone heard anything? I don't want to trash the guy, heck he might be a good source for me, but I can't say I am impressed thus far with the service. He currently lists no more items for sale, so hopefully I didn't catch another seller that is quitting ebay and I'm left in limbo again. That is very tiring! Thanks again, I'll let you know if they show up or ?? Tim

Well the seller of the Albanian Star assures me that my star will be the same condition as the one in the photos as they are all in unissued condition, so that may be a bit of good news, wait to see it in hand, but he does seem decent! Tim

Hendrik! Thank you my friend; I just dug my Belgian CdG out of the safe and it looks like 24mm on the bronze one. Probably slight differences in the way they were affixed (bent) on each one. I keep forgetting that the pins were towards the ends and bent towards center on these. Looks like it would fit and pretty much confirms my initial beliefs that it was in fact a palm that was on the ribbon and not crossed swords or something else. So, do you think its worth 10 GBP? I think I am getting raped, but what are my chances finding another one? I do have more leads/people looking and they seem hopeful. This one is supposed to be in good condition with the pins intact. Tim

Thought I would plug this one in here as it relates to the Leopold II and the swords issues. If I read correctly, here is a post 1951 Leopold II, Knights Class, with bronze crossed swords for a WWII veteran. As the sword colors depended on the amount of titles (basically similar to the US point system), the bronze swords on the WWII & Korea era awards are correct. Sword attachments for these two wars could be either gold, silver, or bronze in color, depending on the number of titles the veteran had attained; however the plain swords (WWI vets) were only in silver. Gilt could be attained at the buyer's request, but they (gilt) were strictly unofficial. I think I got it right, if not please correct me. Enjoy: Tim

Gunner, Well, that is good news, sort of... Any idea why I would not hear from this guy at all? Never dealt with him prior to this and emailed him immediately post auction; not a word back. Thanks! Tim

Hi, Yes, but now I see the seller has listed another one using the same stock photos. My email last night questioning him on this and trying to get reassurances that my piece will in fact look the same (details/quality/etc.) has yet to be answered, but considering the time zone differences, schedules, ect, who knows. I will definately keep my eyes open on this one though! At least he sent me new PICS that were not originally posted when I inquired on my star and those are the PICS being used now, so hopefully the star in the photo is the one I am getting. I hate it when sellers use stock photos though as it is fraudulent in my mind!! Oh well, at least he responds to my emails. I have two other items I am (waiting on?). Both Yugoslavian hat badges and the seller has not acknowledged a single email until now. The listing stated the items were coming directly from Serbia but after winning both auctions, I find the seller is actually in the UK. So, after 5 days and 7 emails to the guy (a John Bathgate) requesting status, still nothing and ebay won't get involved until it reaches 10 days. At least I can get my money back and we're talking less than $15. for both which is probably the issue for this ###### as he didn't make the money he probably expected. Anybody heard of this guy? He has 100% positive feedback, not that it means anything these days. Tim

Well guys, I have found a gilt Albert palm, didn't take it just yet, but have one being held for me. However, I got thinking about this some more and wondered about the spacing of the holes. On the French attachments, the stars have prongs close together and the palms are spaced a bit further apart. So now I am wondering if the Belgian palms would have had the prongs spaced this far apart or are these holes from crossed swords or something else altogether? I know the holes (frontside) are not from the mounting pins as you can see those on the reverse and they are different. So, what does everyone think? Anyone have a palm that can tell me how far apart the pins are? Tim

Hi, Yes, I never seen this one before either but the seller seems to be selling a lot of old orders lately; probably coming out of an estate. I think it went for around $120. which to me is high, but it was silver marked as well. Tim

Evening James, Yes, I was wondering if it may be unit awarded, but I didn't know if this is the only style of fourragere that was used by the Belgians. The French used slightly different colors depending, and like you say, depends on the conditions and if the member was present at the time of the award. Lots of variables. Some more eye candy; I switched the ribbon around after contemplating leaving it as is, but with no specific history behind it or the person who earned it, thought "right-side up" is always best. Thanks James! :beer:

Thanks Martin, Just not as impressive as that Aux Cruiser though. I think I need to invent a time machine, go back and find the designer of the destroyer badge, beat his ***, buy him a beer and then really design a badge!! Thanks again, you're a lucky man to have those Tim

Martin, That's nice!! I always liked destroyers (of course I served on them for about 11 of my 23 years!! ). Do you have a front PIC? Tim

Back to the Fourragere; I had asked earlier if all of these were of the colors of the Leopold I; so does this fourragere indicate that this soldier would have been entitled to the Leopold I award? Tim

You can see where the swords are starting to age tone as well! Tim :cheers:

What makes this medal so appealing to me is the overall design (which I understand the Croix de Guerre was modeled after btw) and the beautiful black enamel. Really stands out with the black and brass/bronze colors. Tim

Looks good Martin! I don't remember ever noticing a Meybauer style KM badge before, but I am not keeping up as much as I once did either, prices are just beyond my desire any more. Nice pair of badges!! Tim

Martin, You may be having a resizing problem; remember they are smaller numbers here compared to the other site "which shall not be named". Tim

Thank you Guy! :beer:

James, I think you were correct, the tip of the fourragere appears to be one that never had a ball type finial. It looks like it was "V" cut on the end and is a little more solid in construction than what I originally thought might have been a simple rolled thin planchet. I'm happy with it!! Not sure of the case at this point; any help? Tim

Hi James, Got it today! Did I forget to mention it came in a case (original?) Tim

Hi Martin! Very nice and the first one of these I have seen. Perhaps a very early made badge, back when the guys in the shop had time to take and make a quality product! Either way, a nice collector's piece no doubt! Tim