Great Dane

Allow me to correct that number: The number of medals awarded (Frederik IX, silver without crown) was 1947. During the reign of Frederik IX (1947-1972) two types of this medal were struck, with a slight variation in the small bow on the reverse. Yours seems to be the type that was struck 1965-71. /Michael

Yes, that number includes all recipients. The number is known due to the records of struck medals in the Royal Mint. However, no records exist of who was awarded. That information was simply not recorded. After the fall of absolutism in 1849, the awarding of medals and orders was given to the parliament (all recipients still have to be formally approved), except for the Medal of Recompense. That medal was awarded by the King to whomever he felt deserved it, and as a result of that - unfortunately - no records were kept. /Michael

Hi Owain, Congratulations on a great looking bar Regarding the Danish medal, it is the Royal Medal of Recompense (Frederik IX version). This version could be awarded in gold (silvergilt) or silver, both with or without crown. The awarded version would depend on the importance of the recipient or if it had been awarded previously. For Frederik IX, silver without crown, a total of 1953 medals were awarded. The medal was awarded by the King (government approval was not necessary), so there is no list of recipients (to my knowledge). The Royal Medal of Recompense was very often awarded to court officials during state visits, like you mention. /Michael

The (short) story behind the order: Until 1918 the Order of Dannebrog was used as an award for Icelanders (for the periods Iceland was under Danish sovereignty). When Iceland became independent in 1918, King Christian X of Denmark (who was still the monarch of Denmark and Iceland) decided to institute a new order - the Order of the Falcon. When one looks at the recipients, a lot of them were foreigners (mostly Danes), and the order was more and more used as a "demi-Dannebrog" - i.e. an award to people who did not deserve the more esteemed Order of Dannebrog. Many of the recipients did not have any connection with Iceland. The same approach were used in other countries, e.g. the Order of the Black Star of Benin in France etc. In 1944 Iceland was declared a republic, and the Danish King was no longer King of Iceland. To reflect this, the order changed it appearance (suspension and reverse medallion). /Michael

Thanks a lot for this information. I have actually read the mentioned book "En Dansk Ingeniørs Erindringer" a couple of years ago and found it very entertaining. No doubt the group belonged to one of the engineers working on the railway project in Persia, but are you sure Mr. Saxild is the best bet? Since he was promoted further within the order of Dannebrog, he would have been obliged to return the Knight Cross - and of course after his death all the orders of Dannebrog (whatever the classes) would have to be returned. On numerous occasions the latter principle was not followed (although the Chapter of the Royal Orders was/is very eager in this matter), but not returning a Knight Cross when receiving a higher class would have been simply unheard of... But whatever the story behind this group is, I can assure you it's in caring and loving hands /Michael

Maybe the Schleswig-Holstein war cross for the war against Denmark 1848-50? Or would that be a too early decoration? /Michael

I guess that's possible. There's a fairly well-known swedish football club called "IFK Göteborg" whose colors are blue and white. But that could of course be a coincidence... We do have some Swedes in the forum who might be able to help more. /Michael

It looks a lot like swedish (unofficial) medals for various athletics clubs - both the suspension type and the two coloured ribbon. /Michael

Hi, I can contribute with a complete set of medals from Denmark. From left to right: - Copenhagen Fire Brigade long service medal (inst. 1903) - The County Towns' Fire Brigade long service medal (inst. 1906 - now obsolete) - Long service medal for the Fire Brigades in the country (inst. 1928 - now obsolete) - Frederiksberg Fire Brigade long service medal (inst. 1926) - The Fire Brigade long service medal (inst. 1973) /Michael

Thanks, Gavin His name was Andreas August Kinch. He retired from the Navy due to age in 1903 (he was born in 1861). From 1903 to 1908 naval advisor in Chihli, China and recalled for duty in Naval Intelligence in 1914. Finally retired as a captain in 1918. Thanks for all the great info /Michael

Thanks a lot for this thorough explanation. As I mentioned I tried to learn from reading auction catalog descriptions, but I just got more and more confused... The miniature is too small to provide any additional info, I'm afraid. Around the center stone (in the light blue enamel) are just 12 golden 'dots'. According to his file, he was a "Naval advisor to the viceroy of Chihli in China" 1903-08 (my translation from danish to english might not be accurate, but I hope you get the meaning). At that time his rank was lieutenant (he became captain in 1917), but he might have been appointed temporary captain when he was stationed abroad (this seems to be normal procedure). At least that would explain the 3. class, 3. grade award. Was the 3. class, 3. grade worn on the breast? And was the ribbon blue with yellow side stripes as on the miniature? /Michael

Hi Gavin, You seem to know what you're talking about I have always found this area rather difficult, since even auction catalogues seem to name this decoration with random type, class and grade descriptions... Are you able to identify this decoration below? I only have his miniature decorations. It was awarded approx. 1908 and in his papers it is called "3. class, 3. grade", but they (and even himself) might not have known exactly what he was awarded... /Michael

Here is another rare icelandic medal: It is the "Commemorative Medal on the Restoration of the Republic 1944" ("Heiðursmerki til minningar um endurreisn lýðveldisins 1944"). Struck in USA in 10 K gold. It was meant to be awarded to members of the Althing (52 members in 1944), a few other icelanders and to 8 special envoys from foreign states. Two members of the Althing refused to receive it and 3 diplomates could not receive it due to the regulations of their countries. So 75 medals were struck, but only 70 awarded. /Michael

No problem Megan, The Althing medal is a commemorative medal awarded to the members of the icelandic Althing (42 members in 1930) and to the heads of parlaments of other countries who took part in the celebrations. It was also awarded to members of the danish royal family (who took part) and a few persons chosen by the icelandic minister. Here is another photo: /Michael

The icelandic name is "Heiðursmerki Alþingishátíðarinnar 1930" (note the icelandic characters) If you want better photos, let me know. /Michael

Not entirely wrong... only 121 awarded. /Michael

Hi North Denmark, If you PM me, I have a possible recipient for that last bar. /Michael

Whoa, that was fast Thanks Glenn. /Michael

Hi guys, Apologies if this one is too easy, but imperial Germany is not normal hunting ground and I might even have difficulties telling Wilhelm II from Salvador Dali... Do you know who this guy is? I'm interested in his name because of his danish Order of Dannebrog at the end of his bar. Thanks, Michael

I think the Adolph of Nassau ribbon is more dark blue... No. 6 could be the french order "Merite Sportif". No. 7 could be the Monaco Order of Grimaldi (has to be an order with the "wings") My best guesses... /Michael

And regarding the Order of the White Elephant: It was instituted in 1861 and exists in two types (different suspensions). Yours is the first type, but there seems to be some uncertainty as to when the second type was introduced. /Michael

Hi North Denmark, Yes, your Dannebrog is not an original made by Michelsen, but I definitely wouldn't call it a "China copy". As you may know some recipients had copies (as in replacement copies etc.) made privately. This type of yours is often referred to as "French style" and is probably gilt silver. It's one of the better replacement copies - some copies have put the "W" on the front instead of the "C5"... VERY nice bar /Michael

I'll have to pass on that one... /Michael

The cross is made from silver and gilt silver (the edge) with a gold center medallion. The reverse has the engravings of the recipient's name and rank and the time and place for the act. The decoration does not have to be returned after the recipient's death. /Michael

John, I think you can still find this ribbon from time to time on the french eBay. Worth a try. /Michael