Great Dane

Hmm... I don't think it's the Anhalt order, because that one is round (or elliptical to be more precise). I have enlarged the medal part of his picture, and in my opinion both order #2 and #4 are crosses with dark enameled cross arms and brighter centers. This could be both the Greifen Order and the St. Anne order... I won't judge it from the ribbon color alone. The ribbon of the Greifen Order is dark yellow (and red edges) which often comes out as dark grey on B/W photos (just look at all the photos of Germans wearing the Wilhelm II Jubilee medal). The ribbon of the Swedish Order of the Sword is a brighter yellow (and blue edges). But anyway, it won't affect your choice of awards for him... /Mike

Oh, I misunderstood your question about the Commander awards... Regulation states that one is worn around the neck and the rest in a single row similar to the normal medal bar, but on the right side of the chest. The orders on the bar are mounted in a trifolded ribbon similar to knight crosses etc. (just on a wider ribbon). On a double breasted tunic the bar is placed at the upper edge of the button-over part (which is slightly higher that the normal bar on the left side chest). If there are many Commander awards they should overlap slightly. According to regulation the top edge of the normal bar (on the left hand side) on a double breasted tunic should be between the top button and the next button. It looks like Nyholm placed his bar a bit higher... I don't really have any pictures of people wearing that many awards on a double breasted tunic. Probably most multi-decorated recipients chose to wear only some of their awards... /Mike

I'm not an expert in that order, but I would assume - since he's in the army - that it would be awarded with swords...? Or does the swords on this order represent a war-time award...? /Mike

The photo wasn't from the library unfortunately. I don't really remember where I got the image (I don't have the actual photo) - maybe from an internet auction somewhere. So I'm afraid this JPG image is all I have (I didn't even reduce the image size before I posted it). Regarding the wearing of breast stars: He didn't end up having that many breast stars - 2 Grand Crosses (Denmark and Belgium), 3 Commander's Crosses (Finland, Italy and Netherlands) and the Oldenburg Offizierskreuz, so they could actually be placed on his left side chest (sometimes the sash would cover some of them). In the special case where a recipient wanted to wear all his stars and couldn't make them fit on the left side, the would 'spill over' on to the right side. In the picture he has obviously chosen to wear a 'choice selection' of his decorations. However, there is a couple of 'no-nos' in his picture: - Around 1915 it was decreed that the trifolded ribbon (or whatever you call it in english) should be worn with the left half as the upper half (like in my post #19), so that the ribbons would overlap away from the chest. This would make the most prominent order the most visible one. It can clearly be seen that Nyholm didn't change the ribbon on his Dannebrog Silver Merit Cross. - He is wearing 5 orders on his medal bar, but the Swedish Order of the Sword is placed in the third position instead of the second. It's hard to se what order #2 and #4 is, but they look like the Mecklenburg Greifen Order and the Russian St. Anne. Maybe he felt that since the Greifen order was his first foreign award, it should be placed first - just after the Danish one. The last one seems to be the Finnish Skyddsk?rernas f?rtj?nstkors. Well, I guess he could get away with it... /Mike

Here is the result of my library research: In 1925 (while still being Major-General) he had these decorations: Medal bar: Denmark, Order of Dannebrog, Silver Merit Cross (Frederik VIII version - awarded 14. Jan. 1909)Sweden, Order of the Sword (Knight 1. class)Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Greifen Orden (Knight 1. class)Anhalt, Albrecht der B?r (Knight 1. class)Russia, Order of St, Anne (3. class)Neck orders:Denmark, Order of Dannebrog (Commander 1. class - Christian X version)Sweden, Order of Vasa (Commander)France, Legion d'Honneur (Commander)Italy, Order of the Crown (Commander 1. class)Netherland, Oranje-Nassau Order (Commander 1. class)Breast:Oldenburg, House- and Merit Order ('Offizierskreuz')+ the accompanying Commander 1. class breast stars for Denmark, Order of DannebrogItaly, Order of the CrownNetherland, Oranje-Nassau OrderI even found a picture of him which is probably taken just after being awarded the Dannebrog Grand Cross in 1928.As you can see breast stars are worn the traditional way - even if there is a row of buttons in the way... /Mike

Well, we don't know what he received between 1922 and 1925, so it would be easier to use the 1922 list. In 1922 his medal bar would consist of 5 orders: Denmark, Order of Dannebrog, Silver Merit Cross (awarded 14. Jan. 1909)Sweden, Order of the Sword (Knight 1. class)Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Greifen Orden (Knight 1. class)Anhalt, Albrecht der B?r (Knight 1. class)Russia, Order of St, Anne (3. class)I have listed them in order of precedence. Danish orders are followed by Scandinavian orders and other foreign orders are mounted according to the date they were awarded.I know he already had the Greifen Order in 1903 (and not the Anhalt or Russian orders) so it comes after the Swedish order. The two last could be reversed if further research reveals their award dates. Neck orders: Denmark, Order of Dannebrog (promoted from Knight to Commander - Christian X version)Sweden, Order of Vasa (Commander)France, Legion d'Honneur (Commander)Breast:Oldenburg, House- and Merit Order ('Offizierskreuz')If you want to include more of his awards, we'll have to find out what he received between 1922 and 1928 (the Dannebrog Grand Cross date). And remember that all the Commander 1. class orders also will have a breast star. I can try the library tomorrow if you want a specific year researched. /Mike

For the rest of your questions: I doubt he would have had any campaign medals not mentioned here. Certainly not any Danish ones. I he wore his medal bar according to the rules, the ribbons should look like the one on the Silver Merit Cross in post #19, overlapping each other by half a ribbon. However, it was very normal just to wear the orders/medals as single pieces at that time. Of course the no. of orders would make it practical to have a medal bar made in this case. I have only rarely seen ODMs worn on more than one medalbar unless you had a LOT, but it is not (as far as I know) against regulations... /Mike

Sorry, my naming of the Finnish cross was a bit inaccurate because 'Fortjenstkors' is Danish. The correct name is "Skyddsk?rernas f?rtj?nstkors". I'm not really sure what it was awarded for... Here is a picture:

Dannebrog, Silver Merit Cross: When the Order of Dannebrog was changed to a multi-class order in 1808, the King introduced a special class called the Silver Merit Cross ("Dannebrogsm?ndenes H?derstegn"). It had a special status and was not (only) an entry level award. It could be awarded for special merit and was also awarded to those who had already received a Knight Cross, Commander's Cross or Grand Cross. If this cross was awaded before any Knight Cross or higher, it would be mounted first on the recipients medal bar. Several kings wore this cross on their uniform. Here is a picture of the Frederik VIII version:

I detected a couple of minor errors in my first list, so here is the correct one (as per 1934): Denmark, Order of Dannebrog (Grand Cross) (awarded 26. Sept. 1928)Denmark, Order of Dannebrog, Silver Merit CrossAnhalt, Albrecht der B?r (Knight 1. class)Belgium, Order of the Crown (Grand Cross)Finland, Order of the White Rose (Commander 1. class)Finland, "Skyddsk?rernas Fortjenstkors"France, Legion d'Honneur (Commander)Italy, Order of the Crown (Commander 1. class)Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Greifen Orden (Knight 1. class)Netherland, Oranje-Nassau Order (Commander 1. class)Oldenburg, House- and Merit Order ('Offizierskreuz')Russia, Order of St, Anne (3. class)Sweden, Order of the Sword (Knight 1. class)Sweden, Order of Vasa (Commander)Furthermore, I found his list of awards as per 1916:Denmark, Order of Dannebrog (Knight) (awarded 18. Sept. 1901)Denmark, Order of Dannebrog, Silver Merit Cross (awarded 14. Jan. 1909)Anhalt, Albrecht der B?r (Knight 1. class)Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Greifen Orden (Knight 1. class)Oldenburg, House- and Merit Order ('Offizierskreuz')Russia, Order of St, Anne (3. class)Sweden, Order of the Sword (Knight 1. class)Sweden, Order of Vasa (Commander)Given the award date for the Dannebrog orders, the Knight Cross is a Christian IX version (priced at approx. $1000) and the Silver Merit Cross is a Frederik VIII version (priced at approx. $1500). In 1922 he had added these: Denmark, Order of Dannebrog (promoted from Knight to Commander - Christian X version)France, Legion d'Honneur (Commander)/Mike

Mark, Regarding his orders, they are all possible to get - possible, but not cheap! Especially the Dannebrog Grand Cross, the Russian St. Anne and the Greifen Order will demand some deep pockets... As an example the Dannebrog Grand Cross (King Christian X version) will probably set you back $2500-$3000. /Mike

And from post #6 (not much new I'm afraid): Nyholm, Anders Gjedde, Danish General, born 2. July 1861, appointed lieutenant in the Engineering Corps 1883 and served afterwards both in his Corps and for a while as captain in the General Staff. Nyholm was appointed Colonel 1914, Major-General and Commander of Copenhagen 1918 and Lieutenat-General and Chief of the General Staff 1926. During the World War Nyholm was leading a delegation of Danish officers, who made a field trip to the German front. OK, 'field trip' may not be the exact translation, but pretty close. Remember we (Denmark) were neutral in WWI, so for the Danish General Staff it was 'somebody elses war'... /Mike

OK, here is a translation of post #5: Nyholm, Anders Gjedde, Lieutenat-General, <list of abbreviations for his awards>, born 2. July 1861 in Holstebro. Son of <Hofj?germester>, captain L. C. Nyholm of Bangsbo and Maren, born Gjedde. Married 6. April 1888 to Mary Eva Carla, born Fog. 1878 Graduate from Borgerdydskolen - 30. July 1881 Secondlieutenant, 1. October 1883 Lieutenant, 1890-95 involved in the building of Middelgrundsfortet, 28. January 1897 Captain and head of the building department of the naval defense, 1898 Head of the railroad defense, 1903 Chief of staff of the Engineering Corps, 1906 Deputy head of 1. General Command, 1. November 1909 Lieutenant-colonel, 1911 Commander of the Engineering Corps, 1913 Chief of the Engineering Corps, 23. September 1914 Colonel, 6. November 1918 Major-General and Commander of Copenhagen, additionally 1921-22 Chief of 2. Division og 1922 General-Inspector for the Engineering Corps, 20. October 1926 Lieutenant-General and Chief of the General Command. 31. July 1931 Retired. 1893-1908 Teacher at the school for officers, 1909-10 Head of the planning of naval fortifications on Sealand. Travels on duty: in 1891 to Germany, Holland, Belgium and France, in 1895 to Russia, Romania, Austria and Italy, in 1903 to France and Holland. 1912 monitoring maneuvers in Vesterg?tland (Sweden) and 13. October - 14. November 1917 monitoring war operations on the German western front (Belgium and France). Until 1909 Treasurer for 'Det Krigsvidenskabelige Selskab' and editor of 'Milit?rt Tidsskrift', 1920-23 Chairman of Danish Officers Association in Copenhagen, from 1931 honorary president of 'De danske Soldaterforeningers Samvirke' for greater Copenhagen, from 1933 Chairman of Association of Officers without active duty. ___ Borgerdydskolen: Gymnasium school Middelgrundsfortet: A naval fortification for the defense of Copenhagen. 'Det Krigsvidenskabelige Selskab' = 'Society of War Science' 'Milit?rt Tidsskrift' = 'Military Magazine' 'De danske Soldaterforeningers Samvirke' = 'Union of Danish Soldiers Associations' /Mike

You're right of course - translating the ranks is pretty straightforward Yes, this is the picture I mentioned. Actually your post #5 is from "Danmarks H?r" where I got his list of awards from. I'll try to translate it for you. It may take a little time - not because it is difficult to understand for me, but finding the correct translations for all those weird positions... (Example: Danish:Hofj?germester = German: Hofj?germeister = English:?) But I'll do my best I'll get back to you with a translation for the 2 articles. Nice uniform - where on earth did that come from? /Mike

Here is some information about Anders Gjedde Nyholm: (this info is from the list of biographies "Danmarks H?r" ("The Danish army") published in 1934) List of awards: Denmark, Order of Dannebrog (Grand Cross)Denmark, Order of Dannebrog, Silver Merit CrossAnhalt, Albrecht der B?r (Knight 1. class)Belgium, Order of the Crown (Grand Cross)Finland, Order of the White Rose (Commander 1. class)Finland, "Skyddsk?rernas Fortjenstkors"France, Legion d'Honneur (Knight)Italy, Order of the Crown (Commander)Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Greifen Orden (Knight?)Netherland, Oranje-Nassau Order (Commander)Oldenburg, House Order (Knight)Russia, Order of St, Anne (3. class)Sweden, Order of the Sword (Knight 1. class)Sweden, Order of Vasa (Commander)I'll add to your list of ranks: 30. July 1881: Sekondl?jtnant 1. Oct. 1883: Premierel?jtnant 28. Jan. 1897: Kaptajn 1. Nov. 1909: Oberstl?jtnant I have used the Danish ranks because you did so too, so either you know how to translate them or don't have any clue at all... Anything else you want to know? There is a very small photo in the above book (just his head and neck). I can scan it and post it here if you want it (but maybe you already have this)? /Mike

Hi Mark, If noone else beats me to it, I'll look him up when I get home (in about 7 hours...) /Mike

Awesome document! I have also followed your postings of Napoleonic documents which are also very impressive. You do realize that you are making it harder for yourself by tempting us all to ditch our ODM collections and start collecting these beauties? /Mike

Sorry Jacky, I didn't see your post. The procedure of giving silver gilt badges to foreigners didn't start until 1910-ish. The amount of crosses awarded was rising rapidly and so was the amount of foreigners who didn't return it. (and don't be mistaken - even if a foreigner is awarded a silver gilt one, he/she is still obliged to return it). The cross in question is (supossedly) from the Frederik VII period (1848-1863). Yes, I do believe it is privately made. As for the mounting, it could have been refitted many times during its life (it's just a matter of putting the ring on a hook). /Mike

The blue reverse is enamel too and even replaces what should have been the red border enamel. And yes, a Knight of the Order of the Elephant could also be a knight of the Order of Dannebrog, but would most certainly be Grand Cross of the order, and not just a knight... I am convinced it's a privately made piece, even though it is very similar to the official badge. But why it was made this way (and why on the reverse?), I have no idea... /Mike

I have discussed this weird cross many times with Morten (the shop owner) and we simply can't explain it. First of all it's silver gilt where all other (official) crosses from that period are solid gold. And judging from the cross itself, this cross seems to be an official one, not a privately made one. Secondly, if it was some sort of chemical reaction or a mistake in enameling the cross, then why is the front not affected? Truly a mystery I have attached the picture for reference: /Mike

Kevin, I just measured my Order of the Crown Knight Cross. It is 37mm in 'diameter'. Are you sure it won't fit? You didn't by accident try a Commander's Cross of the order? /Mike

Hmm... I don't think so. I have never encountered any information which would indicate that... Furthermore, notice that it's not only the crown that has been removed but also the crossed swords beneath it. These swords being an essential part of the order's 'identity'. I think it was removed on purpose for aesthetic reasons. The suspension is practically identical on the other orders on that bar, so maybe the jeweller modified all of them according to the wearer's wishes. Couldn't agree more P.S: On the website that Kim linked to, there is another one without the top crown (see below), but clearly that one had its crown removed in a not too pretty way... /Mike

Hi Kev, My guess would be the Italian Order of the Crown. It would fit the round shape in the case. /Mike

I took the liberty to add the picture below. Added: And Jacky just beat me to it I must say that I have no explanation. I have never seen this 'modification' before and I suspect it was a privately made version. Maybe he wanted all the orders to have the same size on the bar? There are some strange (official) versions of the Order of the Sword, like the 'Krigskorset' ('War cross'). Imagine the normal badge of the Order of the Sword, leave the top crown, remove the crowns between the cross arms and stick a single sword through the badge (from 6 o'clock, through the center medallion so that the tip of the sword touches the top crown). I don't have a picture of this version (only a drawing). But still... I have never seen a normal badge with the top crown removed before. /Mike

I know that the types with the crown fixed to a straight bar (connected to the 2 points of the upper cross arm) are early ones. However, I have never seen the order without the crown. Are you sure about that? Any picture? /Mike