Odulf

This part of the 3rd Reich religious motions have been touched, but never been examined, nor have they been put into a historical perspective. Thus the roots have been into a long time running history, overrunning the ending of the war, and by now it seems that it has ended into souvenirs. But this has it’s origins in a more regional and long time lived Germanic history which appears to have found a new foundation in the SS, as this organistion has picked-up many more Germanic and Nordic symbols, without much regards to the true historic backgrounds. In fact it was quite eclastic and indiscriminative in the origins; it was merely focused on the foundation of a new cult without actual and historical roots. It was a violation and adaption of history. Still, the crafsmen of the 3rd Reich have given it their best to bring out the past dogmas of farmership in wooden plates, thieved from older plates to turn into “modern” dogmas, and to make Party peacocks feel incorporated into a tradition, while in fact they had nothing to do with farmers’ life, nor with raising grains. It was all part of an NS folly to present a farce and a home truth which never existed. Bodies of steel, on feet of clay. But still a noticeable commemorative in wood to exist and a highly regared commemorative of times past. An artifact for the future. With a nick to the craftsmen of the 3rd Reich, I must admit that they stand on the shoulders of pre 3rd Reich craftsmen for whom I lift my hat deep. Craftsmanship does not exeed originality, it only makes it more imminent. That is why so many of these plates are look-alikes, but for some detail. And that is also why it is so difficult to distinguish a 3rd Reich item from others, but for the (not always placed) stamp of the Werkschar or others. In days past, such icons (for future collectors) were not needed, because the Reich would last a thousend years, and many of the producents were still emplying for the general seal of "M" approval, or, because it was home craft, did not bother, becase they carried on their long last hoecraft .

Very nice plates Robin! How do you store them all?

To me it looks like the Order of St.John...

Quite so, Paul. The card is rather thin and I would date it around 1860 also. Thanks for identifying the stars. Could it be Czar Alexander II?

All right, a close up from the medal and the shoulder board.

Indeed, the Maria Theresia Order; the first is the Russian Order of St.George 4th Class. The neck badge is the Sovereign Order of St. John (Johanniter Orden), Prussian Branch. On the epaulettes the monogram "H"

A CdV size portrait without any information. Who has the details, please?

An Imperial officer. Who has any details, please?

A Cabinet size portrait of an Imperial private soldier with a medal, from Moscow. Can any one give details, please?

the reverse

the reverse

Some time ago I found this Cabinet size portrait for my collection. I had the text on the reverse translated and it says: To the Director of the Mining Corporation and Chemical Society "Alagir" Dear Josifu Gubertowitsu As a commemorative to your hospitality From the Commander of the Terskoy District and Atamana, Lieut-General An.St. Michejewt 19 14/XI II Wladikawkaz (in the Caucasus) As Imperial Russian uniforms and decorations are not my common ground, can anyone give more information about this splendid portrait?

It is an Oberst (Colonel) in the Austrian Imperial Army Decorations (left to right) - Militär Verdienstkreuz (Military Merit Cross ) - Bronzene Kriegsmedaille 1873 (Bronze War Medal) - Militärdienstzeichen für Offiziere (Long Service Decoration for officers) - Stern zur Orden der Eisernen Krone (breast star of the Order of the Iron Crown) with sash. The sash is yellow with blue borders, due to the Doppler Effect the yellow looks darker than the blue. This is seen many times on medal ribbons, and it leads to much confusion with people who are unaware of this effect.

What is a medal? It is an award (a token of appreciation or to commemorate services rendered) hanging from a ribbon, not considered to be an official (Governmental) decoration; however the recipient may have valued it.

It is the badge of the former Board of Ordnance / Ordnance Board. This was a reward badge, issued by the Army Ordnance Department / The Ministry of Munitions to workers in the Ammunitions Factories, to my knowledge it has nothing to do with the Army Ordnance Corps.

Thanks for this information Mervyn!

Nice items, but can you attach a date to this?

Hi Mervyn, As a long time collector of insignia and other military stuff, I find Sweetheart Broaches mixed with official military badges on all militaria stalls. Sometimes they are advertised as "rare unit badges" only for specialist memers of the unit, and sometimes as "souvenirs". So, for all it is hard to distinguish a sweetheart badge... To me the pin broach (generaly speaking) gives it away, but during and after the war(s) many of these insignia were sold as lapel badges. Thus, I did not incorporate thes in my collection, but i have some left which I will add, as either.

Kriegsmarinehelferin with the Sig rune Flottila badge of the 2nd U-Flottille on the Schiffchen

Postcard with date stamp 27 dec 1912

"MODDER DOG, BROUGHT BY 3RD GRENADIERS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD" Nice photo of a dog wearing a 6 claps QSA and 2 clasp KSA, and on the collar the regimental badge of the Grenadier Guards.

O/b a Kriegsmarine minesweeper

Miniature wooden chests #4a

Miniature wooden chests #3a

Miniature wooden chests #2a