Steve K.

Stunning! I would like this 'traveling museum' to visit my town!

Wonderful documents! I really enjoy the artwork developed for the combatant document!

Very nice! I love the well worn badges!

Interesting that he got nothing (yet) from Mecklenburg! Very kool!

Both forgeries in my opinion.

Exceptionally nice!! I am in envy of your collection! I can't tell you how long I've looked for quality pieces like this! Stunning!

Maybe someone can translate IMME, since OM seemed to be so easy!

Very nice bars! Especially the Badener!

Hello Stan Did he present any documentation or theories for this name? It has been a mystery to us for some time (and still remains such). Steve

Stunning!

I like everything about it! Like RR, when I see engraving on the reverse, I usually walk away, but this inscription appears acceptable. Certainly a replaced hing, pin and catch.

Another dream bar....That's one I'd like to have in my collection! Very nice!!

There have been two bars posted recently that had both the 1861 Coronation and the Romanian Faithful Service Medal.

So, I also thought it was weird that he would have so much "time in" but nothing else from ANY state! either a short-lived NCO or "awards moved up" which might be a young officer.....I don't get to see many bars from this era, so much of this period is new to me, however I do like untouched bars, especially this early (saschaw -- i'm not tied to it, so I will earmark it for you). Cheers, Steve

My latest bar....delving pre-Imperial now.....Anti-Revolutionary bar Prussian Hohenzollern KDM 1848/49 Coronation King Wilhelm II 1861 Baden Commemorative 1849 Romanian Faithful Service 1877? What rank does this fit?

Thanks guys! So I wanted to know, how often do you see Aluminum pilot badges (not PO, just pilot)...1 in 10, 1 in 100, or.....? and then what is the most 'commonly' seen maker in your experience? Sadly no second patterns in the flock yet Eric. I think they are almost more rare. In the past, when one of those came up for sale, I had other "irons in the fire". As JTW mentioned, only a few makers.....here there are 3 Assmann, 2 Juncker, and the IMME on the end. Still need to work on my photography to shoot as well as JTW!

Here's an old picture of my aluminum pilot badges....I believe I still have them all plus a few additions since the photo. I was trying to use natural light and failed to reduce the harsh shadows in the back, but you get the idea. Cheers, Steve

This one is slightly different and the outer flange is polished, but still another nice variant.

Yep, these are finely detailed crosses. I've only seen 1 in 10 as these types of crosses. As far as I know, there isn't a confirmed date or maker for these. I consider them early WW1 issue - 1914 only maybe, then no more.

Rick, It looks fine to me. And it is the more difficult type to find with lower case letters used on the reverse side. Also notice the difference in the '4' compared to the FF2 that started this thread. Are there fine crosshatching marks on the outer rim (from the beading to the edge of the cross)? Steve

Stogie, I think this (post #11) came from a chef!?

I remember when a good portion of your collection went up for sale. I was caught off guard that friday morning with no "war chest" of funds to back me up......I swore after that day, I would never let that happen again!

The embroidery for this badge sits very high. It is 3 layered again: Felt which hold the embroidery of the badge, felt padding, soft cheesecloth back material. Since this and the previous pilot badge I showed are single color badge, maybe they are only found in 3 layers of material?

woodeye I believe both are originals. The stitch density of the embroidery around the wreath and eagle for both are consistent with known originals I've seen. Eventhough the PO is new in condition, I'm comfortable with it. The pilot badge is 3 layers: Felt layer which holds the embroidery, fibrous cheesecloth (or maybe what you call netcloth), and then paper back layer. There may be more layers in toward the center but I can not see them. The badge was at one time attached to something. Steve PS. Now for one I'm not sure about!

Pilot 1. Opinions?