Beau Newman

The reverse:

In spite of there being close to 2,000 1st type Albert Knights awarded (with and w/o swords combined), they are almost impossible to find. The main reason appears to be the fact that these were to be returned to the Orders Commission upon the death of the recipient. Here is an example of a 1st Type Knight w/Swords which was reissued as a 2nd Type Knight 1st Class w/o Swords by replacing the front medallion and removing the swords. They did a very nice job of plugging the holes for the swords in the center of the cross with 4 tiny gold plugs. These 1st Type Knights are noticibly smaller than the standard 2nd Type 1st Class Knights. The blue medallion surrounds also tend to be narrower on the early pieces.

That 2nd one looks like it may have the motto "VERDIENST IM KRIEG" so, it may be the Schwarzburg Medal. Even though the ribbon looks a little odd, that would make more sense.

Posted previously in another thread but, this is an example of a Bavarian 2nd Corps NCO group. The 1st award is the 1866-1905 style MVK. The swords were not authorized until 1891 and are a later addition.

Finally, an 1870 combatant/1914 non-combatant group - the Wilhelm cross is the blank reverse type for home front welfare service:

An 1866/1870 NC Iron Cross Group with a nice smooth arms REO4 (Doctor?):

A Werner mounted SWA Group - The SWA Medal appears to be a private purchase silver or nickel silver piece: http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2009/post-6181-1244175458.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2009/post-6181-1244175504.jpg

A China/WWI NonCom Group:

Finally got a few more photos taken - A Saxon with a NC Iron Cross:

Excellent info. Thanks!

This is the Honor Cross of the Bavarian Kriegerbund. A fully enameled Merit Cross as well as 20 and 25 year honor badges were also awarded.

As far as the M1913 being silver, it could be but, there are no hallmarks that I can find. The example in Nimmergut (#505, page 194) is noted as silvered Alpakka. I really can't find any signs of swords having been removed.

A close-up of the top of the later MVK:

The reverse:

I came upon this group several years ago at an OVMS show. At the time, I had not seen many of the pre-war Bavarian MVKs so, I didn't realize how well made these early pieces were. This one is marked 900 GH on the edge of the center medallion. The group even has what appears to be a legit post-1913 2nd class w/o swords. The ribbon for the Hindenburg cross is a bit odd. Possibly a case of an attempt to replace an earlier veteran's piece?

The reverse:

Wurttemburg recipient - Not unique enough for ID. Odd arrangement, very likely a wartime mounting. Hohenzollern is marked J G & S 938 on the bottom arm.

I've always preferred a tatter of original ribbon over a nice new replacement any time.

Mecklenburg-Schwerin Decoration for 1808-1815 - Instituted 1841: http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243384498.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243384517.jpg

Hannover Medal for 1813 Volunteers - Instituted 1841: http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243384277.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243384295.jpg

Very worn Brunswick Peninsula Medal for Enlisted Men - Replaced suspension: http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243384154.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243384172.jpg

Bavarian Campaign Cross for 1813 & 1814: http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243383760.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6181-1243383773.jpg

"Quite pleasing numbers on the "OK2r"--under 2,000." According to Beyreiss, it was only 309, making it rarer than either the 1st Class or 2nd Class with Crown. All in all, a rather underappreciated award.

A rather worn Oldenburg:

An Anhalter but, an untraceable civilian.