avadski

Today I was in a show called Plastic Winter here in Bratislava. Lots of very nice plastic and paper models to see there. I took couple of pics to share with you - some really nice dioramas there and also non-military themes. I had only one hour to take them then I had to leave for my grand ma's visit. Hope you will enjoy them

And another thought...I've just noticed different color under the pin. It could be attributed to oxidation which is a process that normally takes some time. For me this oxidation is one of the many ways how to recognize a fake Bavarian Merit cross without Swords. Swords usually interact somehow with the body of the cross and leave traces similar to those on your badge. If, after 100 years, someone removed them from the cross it's usually easily recognizable thanks to the different level of oxidation. Therefore it could be that your badge might have been out there for a longer period of time (e.g. decades). Of course unless someone found out how to partially 'oxidize' a medal. So your badge has a 'plus' with me thanks to the oxidation and 'minus' thanks to the bubbles But hey, I believe there's couple of experts here on the forum so let us hear their opinion.

So let's break the silence. What about those bubbles on avers? Aren't these usually a result of casting? How were these badges made - cast or struck?

Internet opened collecting hobby to masses. Today everyone in every single corner of the world has the opportunity to buy anything - and demand is great. And yes, along with higher prices the increasing number of faker/fakes go hand in hand.

Chris, very nice website you have there...I put it among my military bookmarks in the browser. And yes, jaba is right. Just resize the font of your signature a little bit. Everyone else, just check it out, I think Chris did a great job: http://www.germancolonialuniforms.co.uk/ It's really cool.

Brian, thank you very much. That is exactly what I need to do with this little fellow: ..and yes, it needs new swords too. Great guidance :cat:

He could have been successful if he had posted only 2-3 less known bars, but he started with nearly 20. This is what I managed to 'save'... his eBay entry and original on Medal-Medaille.com

All of them deleted in the meantime. Dangerous way of earning money! Did anyone from here report him?

Meister should check how Klaus Butschek or Carsten Baldes are doing business. Low prices therefore nearly no stock and 80% of new items sold the same day they arrived.

That's waaay off from average market price - but 'meister' is well known for his 'bargains'. In Europe you have to give approx. 200 EUR for the cross + 80-100 EUR for the case.

Those were the days when were 'the fakers' using plastic baits to attract those poor creatures in the water. Now we know how they felt! :beer:

Thank you guys. I checked what Mr. Turk currently offers...he has two of these, each other looking totally different. Question is are they both good, both fakes, or only one of them - which one? Ah, this collecting...why didn't I stay with fishing...:lol:

Does anyone have a picture of this cross? If so please be so kind and post it here both obverse and avers. I was googling it for half day and was not successful at all. That gives a clues it's a rare award? Thank you.

Very unusual items to collect Are they actually placed at the bottom of the cartridge or projectile?

Yep, thank you guys, next week I'm going to see 'my' jeweler. Let's see what he can do. I will post pics when done. Have a nice rest of the weekend.

Well well, these things sometimes happen Anyone had similar problem and was successful in restoration? How did you do it? ...no maker marks there, could someone identify the maker please? Thank you.

I sent you PM&e-mail - no reply yet Isn't your inbox full?

He's probably started collecting in1920's and got most of the medals for 10 Reich Marks I've just noticed that he got a Bänderkatalog there in fine condition. PDF copy of that would be nice to have.

Thank you. Really amazing collection. If I have the opportunity to pick up one lot from the pictured stuff I'd go with the last post -> Bavarian LS awards. They are really cool, especially the one for 40 years. Never seen single one for sale. Regards, Viliam.

Ooohhhh, my eyes.... Thank you for posting these. How long was the chain shown in post #9?

Hello Robin, Leser used to hallmark only MVOs not the MVKs. Material used for your cross was coppered bronze. Zinc versions look much differently and were only made by Deschler (awarded in paperbox etui):