IrishGunner

Well, that's all I need to be convinced they are 100% accurate. Agreed; good series. Some great artillery footage.

As has been said, eBay is a study in "unpredictability" - I can watch something I think is pretty innocuous go for $100 + (thinking I'd bid $20) and then snag a "gem" for half of what I'd be willing to spend because the seller didn't give it a good description, but I had a bit of knowledge that gave me an inside edge. There is no telling with eBay. So, many factors at play; inflated starting prices, inexperienced bidders, sellers without real knowledge, buyers who know how to cherry pick, plain dumb luck. I overheard a guy the other day at a pub talking to his friend; he said that buying on eBay is like gambling. There is the thrill of chance and the bitter taste of defeat. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Probably the same for sellers as it is for buyers. But like gambling; the house usually wins. Be cautious and only bet what you are willing to lose and rejoice in your bargains because others weren't as clever as you.

You seem to be quite knowledgeable in this arena. Chip is definitely "da man!" I wish I knew half of what Chip knows... PS: I hear ya about "just" missing one on eBay; I was 2 d*mn bucks short of my first Fuss-Artillerie strap this weekend.:speechless:

I think the question was about the pouch on the right and the answer about the pouch on the left. But I could be turned every which way too... :whistle:

Yea, I see the story behind this trio: old kanonier is the battery screw-up; old guy on the left takes a liking to him though 'cause of the 'stache and 'cause he knows the guy is always doing his best to stay out of trouble and never succeeding; until the day the young guy makes a mistake that almost gets them all killed and the screw-up saves the day. EK2s all around.

The writing on the back: "In memory of the Field Campaign 1914/15" is the first three lines (Zur Erinnerung um dem Feldzug 1914/15) But I can't make out the last line...

One of my latest artillery photographs; a kanonier and two others with ranks I'm not sure I've seen in my photos before. Disclaimer upfront; I can't get a detailed scan of the shoulder straps - I've tried. The photo is a "metallic" sheen and it just won't scan in detail. However, under x6 magnifying loupe I can make out details. The older man seated on the left might be a Offizierstellvertreter; his has metal numeral and a metal bomb on his strap. It's difficult to see if there is also braid around the strap, but there clearly is a "line" down the center of the strap (sort of like in Russian shoulder straps, but I've not seen this before on a German strap). The number looks to be a "5" but it isn't exactly centered on the "line" - as is the bomb - so there could be a digit in front of the "5" that is not clear in the photo. The younger man seated on the right might be a Feldwebel-Leutenant; he has officer shoulder straps, but also has NCO braid on his collar. It looks like only a bomb on the strap; but I can't be sure. The kanonier has only an embroidered bomb on his strap. Nonetheless, they all seem to have newly awarded EK2's - a great photo for that alone in my opinion. Any comments on the ranks from the experts?

You sure those aren't two former GMIC members? :whistle:

We in the Artillery like to keep things confusing. So, for Feld-Artillerie units it's Abteilung and Batterie; for Fuss-Artillerie it's Batallion and Batterie. (German spellings). Thanks again, guys. Appreciate the assist and discussion.

Thanks gentlemen for the info. FAR 9 saw some serious action that first month of the war. I think Maj Opitz is KIA later in the war.

Well, those images do muddy the water somewhat, don't they? Probably ruling out the idea that it's a simple religious charm. I certainly think the red/blue/yellow ribbon is a replacement - it is too much like modern medal ribbons - specifically the Marshall Bagramian medal I've posted elsewhere on this forum. I'm still reluctant to believe this is a bravery medal from the 1918-22 Democratic Republic of Armenia, but it's certainly possible. I've sent an email to a colleague in Yerevan; hopefully he can shed some additional light. Kev, do you remember how much this was selling for in Romania?

Nah, just made me thirsty. :beer:

Dan, that's the statue! It might be no surprise that right across the street from this statue is a little cafe - at the edge of the flea market - that had the coldest Kilikia beer. It was a great spot to have a couple beers, smoke a cigar, watch the "scenery" and admire all my great purchase from the flea market. Thus, I never walked across the street to snap the photo. :whistle:

Eddie; interesting - can you give us the source and some pictures? This could be significant. This is definitely not a post-Soviet decoration of the Republic of Armenia. The Ministry of Defense and Office of the President websites show those very clearly. There is a modern day decoration: The Order "Vardan Mamikonian" awarded by the President. From the Armenian President's website: "The Order "Vardan Mamikonian" is awarded for exclusive courage, displayed when carrying out military duties to the Motherland, as well as for significant services provided for the construction of the military and the securing of the combat training of the forces." The attached image is the modern Order. It would make sense that anything with Mamikonian would be for bravery. It's possible this is from the 1918-22 Armenian Republic. The Armenians were at constant war during that time with the Turks, the Georgians, the Azerbaijanis, the Bolsheviks. If this is a bravery medal from that time period, I would think it would be quite scarce.

Thanks for the info! Now, I have two photos with awards that are not in my collection - more things for the want list.

An image of our friend. I always meant to take a picture of his statue in Yerevan; but never got around to it... :rolleyes:

Definitely Armenian from the writing on the front. And the image is Vartan Mamikonian - one of Armenia's legendary heroes. He fought an overwhelming Persian army in 451 and although he was defeated, the Persians took heavy casualties and retreated. He is credited with saving Armenian culture and religion from oblivion. There is a huge statue to him in Yerevan; near the flea market where I used to buy all my Soviet medals. On the back the design under the sword is the Armenian symbol for eternity. However, I can't say this is a military award. Remember, Armenia didn't exist as an independent country until after WWI - before it was under the Persians, then Ottomans. By 1920, it was no longer independent and was under the Soviets - regaining independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. Certainly old, but I really don't think it's a military medal. The word on the front appears to be the name Marmikonian; in Armenia: Մամիկոնյան There is also an initial before the word. Vartan was made a saint in the Armenian Church. This could be a Saint Marmikonian religious medal or charm.

Looking at this again, the cross definitely isn't a MVO - the bottom arm appears more flat rather than as the two-pointed arms on the MVO. The last medal still looks like a Wuerttemberg Dienstauszeichen to me...(could officers receive this?). Could the second cross be a Friedrichsordern?

Can anyone tell me what position was held by Major Kurt Kaspar Adolf Gudewill, of Feld-Artillerie Regiment 9; KIA in Belgium on 22.08.1914 near Tirlemont? Rang-Liste info? Anything?

Well, I wouldn't know, I'm attracted to those with more rounded hips, longer hair, and considerably more feminine chromosomes. :rolleyes:

Mike, clearly your English is better than my reading of Suetterlin! Thanks, that helps me with the overall meaning. This seems to be the usual message on the post cards.

In case you are curious; here's the front of the post card that the U. Offz. sent to Familie Schenk in Frankfurt a/M. on 16.9.16 (probably from Romania where the 11. b Div. was at the time). A typical patriotic theme.