Schießplatzmeister

Prussian, Landwehr I.R. 15 (13. Landwehr Division). Best regards, "SPM"

Thank you militaria0815! For everyone that doesn't know, militaria0815 is an expert in this area and definately knows what he is talking about. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Beau: There were approximately 24,000 or so MVO 4th with Swords awarded during the war. I believe that the total for the number of MVO 3rd with Swords was a bit less than 1,000 (I will have to look up the exact number later today), thus making this a rather scarce award. For the Bavarian Officers (Lieutnants) the MVO 4th with Swords was the usual combat-zone service award. The higher classes were awarded according to rank with the 3rd Class with Swords pieces going to rather senior Officers as the Crown embellishment came next regarding award/rank hierarchy. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Paul: An interesting group. I never have a good feeling though when I see a silver-gilt MVO "3rd" with swords these days. Often, they are gilded 4th Class with swords pieces made to deceive collectors. Also, considering the source of this particular item (who has sold some items in the past that I would possibly consider questionable), I would tend to be cautious. With that being said, without actually inspecting the piece in person, no definitive conclusions can be drawn. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Barzda: The crown appears to be an original example. I see no problems with this item. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Pierce: Thank you for providing this excellent example! The Order ribbon with the device is for an Austrian Order of the Iron Crown award. So, here is an example of a German Officer wearing an Austrian award in the Austrian fashion. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Alexandre: While not an expert, I will share the following: Officially, the representations of these classes of these particular awards were not worn on a field ribbon bar. However, there were always exceptions, and examples are known of some very high ranking German Officers (usually with connections to various ruling houses) wearing the ribbon of a particular Order on their field ribbon bar with a miniature representation of the higher class (neck class of the Order or sash class of the Order) on the ribbon in the style that was popular (and Officially sanctioned) with Austrian Officers. I recall in particular a field ribbon bar that I have seen which had Saxon Orders (SEHO, etc.) on it that may have been in the Seymour collection and later passed through the Thies auction. Perhaps GMIC member Deruelle will have a better recollection regarding that particular example. He IS an expert regarding the awards of Saxony and Thuringian States. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Avadski: In my opinion, you have already identified the problem with this piece. It is non-ferrous/non-magnetic and thus not made of iron. It is therefore not original and "as-awarded". I believe that per your previous posting regarding this item (if I recall correctly), you may have obtained this from a seller on Ebay who is known to sell many forgeries (but once in awhile a genuine piece also). If this piece was from any other source, I would take a second look at it, but considering the source, I could only conclude that the piece is unfortunately probably a forgery. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Avadski: Thank you for sharing this item with us. This piece does not appeal to me at all for the following reasons: 1) The center elements appear to be silver in color (perhaps I am missing a gilt wash on the photo/scan however). 2) The center enamel appears to be of poor quality. 3) The area where the swords used to be was modified to remove the mounting hole where the swords were attached. 4) The suspension loop is a replacement/repair as you already noted. In summary, if you re-added swords to this item, you would still have a difficult time convincing anyone that it is an original item with swords re-added. My suggestion would be to wait for an original example in perfect condition. As you know, original pieces are difficult to find and very expensive, but with patience, one will be undoubtely appear on the market in the future. This of course is only my opinion. It is your money of course to spend as you see fit. Good luck regarding this piece. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Jason: It looks to be a perfect piece on a nice non-combattant single mounting. I see no reason for concern regarding this item. Best of luck with it. "SPM"

Hello Ulsterman: I think that you are correct that this is a most likely a Bavarian long-service medal (9 year, 12 year, or 2nd Class Landwehr). I do not think that it is a Bavarian Bravery medal as the ribbon is not the correct color and because it is in the inferior position [it would usually (but not always) be worn above other awards]. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello again Matt: Yes, you are correct, Waldeck awards are less often seen. Also, Waldeck awards are more often seen in groups with Prussian awards and very seldom with Saxon awards. So, what is most probable is what would make the most sense here. As you have seen, Deruelle who is without a doubt a top expert in this area (although he may deny it) has nailed it down to the exact unit! Best regards, "SPM"

Hello again Matt: After 1915, Reuss used a ribbon identical to that of the Waldeck Merit Cross for all of their Honor Cross combat (with swords) awards. Since your ribbon has a gilded swords device, this would be a 2nd Class award with swords or a gold merit medal with swords. Since this fellow was most-likely an Officer per his Saxon awards, a 2nd Class with swords is probable. It is also possible however that he received the gold merit medal with swords and was then granted a temporary field promotion (i.e.: Leutnant d. Reserve) during the war. Unfortunately, there are no known award rolls for Reuss awards for WWI. Congratulations and best regards, "SPM"

Hello Matt: This is a nice "soft" ribbon bar for an Officer. The yellow, red, and black ribbon could be for the Waldeck Honor Cross (not for a "civilian award" though as there are swords present), but it is more likely for Reuss Honor Cross. Are the swords silver-plated or gilded? Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Micha: I believe that this is an issued-original. You can see how the crown is made from two pieces (a front and rear piece) and that the crown assembly is added to the cross. There are recent forgeries which lack this feature and which also have a different pin. Also, the swords are added to the body of the cross and do not appear to have been cast with the main body of the cross. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello: This is a perfectly good piece in nice condition with an original ribbon. As previously stated, these are rather common. Therefore, the desirability of this item depends upon the price at which it is offered. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Ramon: There appear to be no problems with this group. It appears to probably have belonged to a Leutnant who had received a field-grade promotion during the war. He also probably didn't survive to apply for his Hindenburg Cross and have it added to the group. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Heiko: I saw this photo too. I think that you are correct, the medals are probably Württemberg 9 or 12 year service medals. The ribbon color appears to be correct for this possiblity. They do not look like Bavarian awards (which could also be a possibity for Ulm). Best regards, "SPM"

Hello Claudius: Thank you for your comments. I have had this bar for a few years now. It is featured on the website of a good friend of mine. Theoretically, it should be possible to identify the recipient, but it would be a daunting task. The problem is that there are no Reuss rolls as far as I know. I know that Rick was working on Sachsen-Meiningen rolls, but I don't know if he inhereted the listing of lifesaving medal recipients. There were probably more than a few police recipients of this award however. So, there will probably never be a name to go with it unless photos/documents turn-up somewhere (unlikely). In any case, it is one of the best police extremely-long service groups that I have ever encountered. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello again: Here is an example of the ribbon. "SPM"

Hello Heiko: I agree with you that this is a Sachsen-Meiningen Lifesaving Medal. The ribbon for this award is white with green side stripes (which compares favorably with what is shown in the photo). With only 71 struck and probably fewer than this awarded, a fantastic photograph! Congratulations. MfG, "SPM"

Hello: A very nice group. This was an Officer's group. The 25 Year Prussian Long-Service Cross was for Officer's only. The Prussian General Honor Decorations were awarded in silver until 1912 when awards were changed to the much more economical bronze. The inscription of the reverse is basically translated as "State (County) Merit". I see a bit of damage to the ribbon for this award. It may have possibly been a Prussian Red Eagle Order IV at one point. Both the RAO IV and the AEZ were awarded for merit or long-service in civil service positions. Since your fellow has a Hamburg Hanseatic Cross for WWI service, there is also the possiblity that he was a naval Officer. Unfortunately, this Officer's bar cannot be researched as to the specific recipient as this is a very common combination of awards. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello everyone: Some of Eichhorn's documents were offered previously in individual lots by Andreas Thies in 2007. It is a shame when such items are scattered. That unfortunately however is the "norm" now as dealers/auction firms split up items to maximize profits. Sadly, once this is done, they can almost never be re-united. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello: No avoiding war service here. This fellow is a highly decorated combat veteran. He is wearing an EKI. The reason his EKII ribbon isn't visible is because it was not possible to wear buttonhole ribbons on this particular type of tunic. The award on his right side looks like an Austrian air force qualification badge of some sort. The "observer" badge is for obsevation from a two-seater plane. This was a very dangerous job. These Officers usually located and marked enemy targets on a map, or took photos of ground targets. When such a plane was attacked, they also had to utilize whatever rear-facing weapons systems the plane had to keep the enemy plane away (or shoot it down if possible). I can't tell if the Observer's qualification badge is Bavarian or Prussian due to the resolution of the photo. Best regards, "SPM"

Hello again Heiko: Unfortunately, I know next to nothing regarding colonial/Schutztruppe/marine uniforms. Looking at the first medal, I am not 100% certain as to what it is. It looks like it has a MEZII ribbon and the shape of a China Campaign Medal. Of course ribbons sometimes look very odd with these types of old photographs with light colors looking dark, etc. The second medal of course is a DSWA Campaign Medal (it is too bad that we can't see what the bars say!). Best regards, "SPM"