IrishGunner

I like the second one better...much better. Thanks for the info on the silvering - I've learned something.

One side of me says go for it and the other says RUN AWAY! When it comes to collecting - I always listen to the RUN AWAY side if in doubt. It's like gambling - I say always bet on a sure thing. You might miss an opportunity, but you will lose less money in the long run. Just my .2 cents. Good luck!

Gene; this post is from Feb 2010 (and I see you haven't visited GMIC since May), but I thought I'd toss in here what I've found. Of course, you may have already found the same info in a Google search, but I'll post here anyway, just in case. It's not much, but might help you take a couple steps in the right direction for further research. Hungarian Festungsartillerie Regiment „Edler von Kollarz" Nr. 6 Formed: 1891 Staff / 2.Komp. - V. Armeekorps - 5. Feldartillerie Brigade II. Battalion - IV.Armeekorps - 4. Feldartillerie Brigade Nationalities: 54% Hungarian - 24% German - 22% Other Recruitment Area: Pozsony (Pressburg) Garrisons: Staff: Komárom - I. Battalion: Peterwardein - II. Battalion: Budapest This info suggests the Staff and 2. Komp. were part of the same higher headquarters; so it might be possible to trace some related actions. But it's very difficult to find information about individual soldiers in military references, but maybe moving the post up will generate some other more expert responses.

I'm no expert and still don't have one of these in my collection; though I've come close a couple times (usually out-bid or too high a price). It's on my want list, but not a high priority; so, I'm willing to wait. So, therefore, I wouldn't take a chance on this one; my spider senses just don't feel right - I'd keep waiting. I just don't like the pin (do those grooves suggest the original pin has been replaced). The crack on the back is undesirable and as noted by Kev - this doesn't show up as an issue with the enamel on the front - makes one wonder. And I just don't like the color of the front; shouldn't it be more silver? Like I said - I'm no expert - but I'd pass on this one considering there are a lot more specimens out there...

Interesting little pieces. Thanks for the info; if I saw these, I'd pass them off as souvenir lapel pins. Your info makes them much more desirable as a collectible.

As much as I might hate to admit it - Chris Boonzaier and dond could be smarter than they look. I've found reference to the following article: "Germany in Defeat, 1918 and 1945: Some Comparisons and Contrasts" James M. Diehl in the "History Teacher" v22, n4, Aug 1989 Analyzes how Germans viewed defeat after the two world wars, and how these perceptions influenced subsequent political developments. Compares questions of guilt and responsibility following the two wars. Examines the growth of democracy, its defeat after World War I, and success after World War II. Discusses the influences of the occupation governments. I can't find the full text online (well for free anyway); although here's a link to the first page: http://www.jstor.org/pss/494765 Would be a good read I'm sure; anyone able to get a copy of this article?

The Allied powers occupied Germany immediately after the Armistice in Nov 1918; the newly activated 3rd US Army consisting of the III, IV, and VII Corps (and I've seen reference to the 1st, 2nd, 42nd Divisions) performing occupation duties for the US in the Rheinland until 1923. The French and Belgians were in the Ruhr until 1930. The Brits were also in the Rheinland, but I've seen less about their role. Has anyone seen a list of Allied units that performed occupation duty in Germany after WWI? I'd be particularly interested in US divisions and British regiments.

I think Colonial Medal or South-west Africa Medal could be possibilities; but the experts (like Chris B) will have to chime in if it's possible for this unit or if the soldier could have transferred into this regiment after service in the colonies.

No info; but will be curious to see what is posted. The cannon is intriguing. And now I know what country the medal I've seen at the flea market is from; looks just like this except for the cannon design. The one I've seen I think has a soldier in the center.

I would guess that it was for a medal bar with the 1870/71 War Medal and the 1898 Jubilee. I've seen posts of such a medal bar here on GMIC. Here is the battle honors for the Husaren-Regiment König Wilhelm I (1. Rheinisches) Nr.7 in the Franco-Prussian War: 1870/71 gegen Frankreich: (15. Inf.-Div., VIII. Armeekorps) Schlachten bei Gravelotte - St. Privat,Rekognoszierungsgefecht bei Moreuil, Gefecht bei Berthaucourt les Thennes, Schlacht bei Amiens, Gefechte bei Bose le Hard und Buchy, Schlacht an der Hallue, Gefecht bei Sapigniers, Schlacht bei Bapaume, Gefecht bei Tertry - Poeuilly, Schlacht bei St. Quentin, Einschliessung von Metz.

Yep, the List Regiment. Curious - did it add a premium to the price?

Better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all. :beer:

Mervyn, how do you let these beauties come into your life and then just walk back out again under the arm of another man! :speechless:

Auke, thanks for the translation - and confirmation that it's a good one! (I was worried when you became interested... ) I knew it was a Guards lieutenant - the dealer tried to start really high because of that! But I was happy at $14 bucks. Wish I could get the medal for that! :whistle:

Impressive bit of history; a joy to look at and read about. Thanks!

Sorry for the quality of photos; no scanner and it's difficult for lighting since it's now dark outside. Hopefully, Ferdinand, you can decipher what interests you and maybe provide some translations of the handwriting.

Absolutely; I'll do it right after dinner. And I drink the beer in the photo! I'll post it in the Soviet forum; I'd like to get an opinion on the name.

Yea, plenty of U shaped rings to be had here - I held out for this variation because I think it just looks better.

From left to right: A new Armenian beer find - Shumer Lager - unfiltered and unpasteurized; will post report in the Beer thread when I pop the cap. Veteran of the Armed Forces with award doc - fills a want 18th Army Veteran's badge (Brezhnev served as the Army's commissar in the Caucasus) 40th Anniv of Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia (I saw one for sale online at $30 - I paid less than $2 bucks!) Nursing School Graduate Badge (I always pick up some nursing items since my wife is a nurse; online for sale at $25 - I paid $5!) Soviet Officer's parade belt - brand new Victory over Japan Medal - great example and fills a key want 50th Anniv Soviet Veteran of Spanish Civil War - really interesting piece Capture of Vienna Medal document (no medal) - thought it was a good price

Picked up this Victory over Japan with the heavy suspension for about $20 at the Yerevan flea market. A very nice example if I do say so...

Here's my version of this 50th Anniv. of Spanish Civil War Vet medal - picked up at the Yerevan flea market. At first I didn't pay much attention to it because it looked too "Star Trek" to me; but once I read the back, I had to pay the $10 bucks. Both medal and suspension are from a heavy alloy - no aluminum. And there's a strong clear mint mark under the pin.

Ed, I've seen this medal here in Yerevan flea market; if you are interested, I don't think the dealer knows what it is - it's mixed in with the usual propaganda and commemorative pins - I can probably get it for next to nothing.

A few days ago - 19 Oct - was the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown. Here's a bit of trivia for you... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/18/AR2010101803877.html?wprss=rss_world/europe