IrishGunner

We all call them "frogs", but do frogs have an official name? Did WWI soldiers call them frogs?

Giller, Oczywiście, z perspektywy orła, to właśnie... We are pointing out the same detail from the viewer's perspective. Have you seen anything like this badge in Poland?

While not exact, it appears very similar to ZamZama or Kim's Gun in Lahore... Perhaps your model is a representation of this or of another Pakistani gun? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamzama

Wow, that makes his post card even more eeiry

I was in Kassel in 1978 as an exchange student. But that was in my youth.

Interesting that he wrote my "last doss house" on the card with the Vlamertinghe Chateau. That became true for many of his brothers in arms since there is a military cemetery at Vlamertinghe.

Trooper, thanks for posting the medal images side by side; it makes the identification clear! Great photo! And mustache.

I've never seen a soldier riding the heavy guns on the march, but I suppose it's possible. That's why I thought it odd to see a "chair". On the light field gun - like you are sitting upon, the tactic prior to WWI was to ride up right close to the fighting and bring the gun into action; therefore, the cannoniers had to be very close to the gun in order to bring it into action quickly. Most of the light field guns (7,7cm for the Germans or 8cm for the Austrians) were built in the late 19th century when this tactic was the norm. So, guns in WWI still had the seats on the front for the march. The heavy guns at 15cm didn't use this tactic, so no need for seats. That doesn't mean they couldn't have sat on the platforms, but the primary purpose would have been for standing to sight/load the guns.

Sorry to disappoint you there sonny. But you are past the age where you can be trusted...

Like I said, too old to be "youth", but still immature...

Those seats I'm familiar with...on the front of the gun for riding when on march. But on the 15cm above, the chair is where the crew would set the sights of the gun. I've seen little round seats there, but not a "chair" like in the photo. Edited to add: Okay, it's NOT a chair. I downloaded the photo and enlarged it - it's a place for standing to sight the gun ... the adjusting wheels are all positioned to be operated by someone standing on the platform. I knew a chair made no sense there...

So, I'm seeing that this Feldwebel has: Verdienstkreuz mit Krone Verdienstkreuz mit Krone Die Militärdienstzeichen für Unteroffiziere Jubiläums-Kreuz 1908 Mobilisierungskreuz 1912/13 I wonder if it is unusual to have two Verdienstkreuz mit Krone... I can't tell, but perhaps one is Silbernes and the other Eisernes?

I've never seen a gun with that kind of seat...or chair!

Hard as rock mountain man...

Agreed! Keep 'em coming.

Mark, I can see where you might think Polish. But the Polish eagle looks left (not right like on your badge). It's also not French Imperial eagle, since those wings go down. Sorry, that I can only tell you what it's not... Hopefully, others will chime in with their thoughts.

I didn't notice it until you pointed me there... That definitely has to be painted. A chunk that big would be showing bare metal at this point (and probably rust).

And a PM returned, Ed. I see what you mean by the inner core looking very new and shiny. I think though that is the effect of the flash. If you enlarge the photos, you can see wear on the details of the oak leaves etc. On the other hand, isn't the price getting to be a bit pricey? Take anything I say though with a grain of salt; I'm am far from expert.

Yea, the eBay feedback system is a farce.

Nice photo. And a good view of the bayonet - anyone know what type of bayonet this is?

Good point. A regimental runner would probably use it more against the rats than the enemy.

Just gas masks. I would've thought a pistol at least.

metalman and bubbatinamarion, thank you for your posts regarding this medal awarded to your relatives. It looks like no one still has an idea about the monetary value of these medals; although, I'm sure they have great sentimental value for your families. Considering the lack of general information, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the monetary value is probably limited. Value is, of course, determined by supply and demand. While the supply appears relatively low - one of the links above states that 500 were made - I suspect so is the demand outside of some very specialized collectors. Therefore, even if you tried selling them on eBay, you would be hard pressed to get anything significant. Again, my opinion is based solely on generalities of the collector's market and not on specific information regarding this medal. Hopefully, these latest posts will attract some interest among some of our experts.