Hauptmann

And the field issue packet: [attachmentid=39885] Next the War Merit Cross 1st class without swords: [attachmentid=39886] [attachmentid=39887] It's marked L/18 under the pin.

Next the War Merit Cross 2nd Class without swords: [attachmentid=39879] [attachmentid=39880] And with packet: [attachmentid=39881] [attachmentid=39882] [attachmentid=39883]

And here they are one at a time in more detail. First off, the War Merit Medal with packet: [attachmentid=39876] [attachmentid=39877] [attachmentid=39878] It's marked 3 on the ring.

Hi all, I know these are very underappreciated... most folks just compare them unfavorably to the Iron Cross series and walk away. But I've always liked them. I got hooked on them when I received the following document from my father's collection. [attachmentid=39871] It measures 11 1/2" by 8 1/4". It has a big impressive seal and of course the signatures. It's all dressed up with no place to go... as it was never issued. [attachmentid=39872] [attachmentid=39873] He got this way before my reference book days when I was definitely a newbie to the hobby as far as knowledge goes... still am in many ways. We never stop learning. But in those days it just seemed like such an impressive document and so it just "had" to be for an equally impressive looking award. Nope... just the fairly lowly KVK 2nd class! Needless to say once I found out what went with the document... I simply had to have one... and then the entire series. And so... [attachmentid=39874] Now please... you'll have to forgive the two copy Knight's Crosses at the top. In those days I could have afforded the originals but chose not to have that kind of money sitting around collecting dust in a riker mount. Silly me! But honestly, as supportive as my lovely wife Kim has been of all my hobbies and interests... I think she would have shot me had I spent that kind of money for two little medals.

Hi Rick, I know. So far I can't find any pics, etc. on the first one. They may be out there but so far no luck. Hopefully someone will have better luck than I'm having on that. Thanks, Dan

Hi Pat, Thanks! Do you mean the ones third row up from the bottom with a silver and two bronze? Dan

Hi Pat, Here's my grouping of DDR stickpins and minis including a bunch of wounds of several varieties, including one with the letter A at the bottom. It's the slightly bulkier looking one by itself to the left of the rest of the pack. No idea what that one was for. Any thoughts anyone? [attachmentid=39868] No idea on years or any details as I only got into collecting the wounds about six months ago. Before that I just had my full sized set. As you can see I only need a round gold, triangular silver and a silver and gold stickpin to finish out those sets. I like the highlights on yours. Great pic... so, what kind of scanner are you using? Like the Urkunde. It's not been issued though... same as my document collection which I'll be posting soon. But I definitely like it! Thanks! Dan

Hi all, Here's another to add to the list: [attachmentid=39858] [attachmentid=39859] [attachmentid=39860] Hopefully that gives the info anyone would need on this one. Quite a number of black and white pics but a good number of color plates as well. I think this is another must have if you can find one. Dan

Hi all, Just found this flask from http://www.garykirsnerauctions.com/auct2203/220343.htm Regimental flask, .25L, porcelain, Dienstzeit in China an Bord S.M.S. Otter, 1909-1912, named to: Res. Kann, rare boat, mint (900-1200) And the old girl in person : http://www.deutsche-schutzgebiete.de/sms_o...kanonenboot.htm 1909 - Served on Yangtze. Sold? Disarmed? in Nanking (Shanghai?) at outbreak of WWI (probably in an attempt to shield her from capture) but seized by Chinese on 3/20/1917. Renamed Li Chieh in 1917. Ended Chinese service in 1932. Dan

Hi Paul, Have seen them pop up on Ebay once in a while. There were like three of them, well, four as the one I got was in a group of two... one big and one small, over the last couple of weeks. I don't often see the small ones, just the big type. They're "much" more "finished" than the aluminum types which have something like rough grinder marks all over them which you can see in the pictures... but still very nice. Dan

Hi Paul, WOW ... keeps getting better and better. Many thanks for posting that! Again I know nothing is definite yet but if this turns out to be him I'll be an extremely happy camper! Thanks so much, Dan

Hi all, Figured I'd add my newest finial as well. It's smaller then the others and is of the sheet metal type but she be purty!!!! Just a tiny bit of rust on the one side but I can live with that. Was from a very generous friend and I am very grateful. This stuff can be addicting, you know? Thanks, Dan

Hi all, Okay, here's my newest addition. Been waiting a week and been on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was the only bidder! Whew!!!! These are the sellers pics... once I get it and hang it for a while the creases and wrinkles should come out of their own accord. I think she's a beauty! Velly happy! Thanks! Dan

Rick... you never cease to amaze me! I know nothing is in stone and will remain on the edge of my seat... fingers tightly crossed! But you are just astounding! Thanks, Dan

Hi Bob, Actually I figured "navy"... ships are she/her... navy ribbon bar... so what they hey! And actually Rick requested I post it. Vas just followink orders! (sound of heals clicking together! ) Looks like he's got the gears rolling... I'm definitely on the edge of my seat with suspense!!!! Continuing to keep my fingers tightly crossed! Thanks! Dan

Hi all, This is another favorite of mine as I love naval type stuff and also the Imperial battleflag that's on this one . Just think this one has it all... except perhaps for enamel but that's another obsession. Thanks for looking, Dan

And last but not least, the dreaded... Return of Memel medal: Thanks for looking, Dan

Now the Commemorative Medal of1 October 1938 (Annexation of Czechoslovakia) with Prague bar:

Hi all, Been kind of hesitant to post these... only due to the Memel as I know how much controversy swirls around them. But... in for a penny in for a pound. Got them ages ago (ya'll know when... blah, blah, yadda, yadda! ) and rather cheap so if the worst hits on that last one then I'm still not going for the jump off the water tower. Anyhow, here goes. First, the Commemorative Medal of 13 March 1938 (Austrian Anschluss):

Hi all, Thought I'd pop these on. Don't know a ton about them other than a bit I've read here and there and the fact that I love them! First the 2nd class: Seems to have what I'm guessing is some kind of maker's mark on the ring (which is solid/soldered type) but I cannot make it out for the life of me. Don't think it was at all a clear impression.

Hi all, This is one that Rick (mucho thanks!) told me "may", "possibly" be able to be identified re: the original recipient (gulp, gasp, spitter, sput! ) I dare hardly believe that this might be possible. And if, by some cosmic miracle the good Lord sees fit to allow it... I think if I actually did receive an ID on this, plus (dare I even think it) a picture of the recipient and perhaps some bio... and (GASP!) a picture of him wearing this bar... I feel I might keel over on the spot! Here is his comment on it: "Navy, probably 1920s from the eccentric precedence. POSSIBLY traceable, though it could be a warrant officer's "invisible" bar rather than an officers. Worth posting fr possible ID." Soooooo... if anybody out there might, possibly, maybe, please, please (on my knees at this point) consider doing whatever magic ya'll (yes, that's my southerness showing) do and perhaps, if all the planets and stars are aligned can come up with something for me I'd be forever grateful! You would literally make my year... perhaps several! So without further ado... here she is: Will be pacing the floors and keeping my fingers ever so tightly crossed! Thanks! Dan

ROFL!!!!

Add my thanks as well OoV! Excellent report! Actually sounds like one heck of a place to visit. Kind of like an agricultural and industrial display on the scale of Disney in Orlando Florida. Come, get a room and stay for a week and enjoy! Definitely adds quite a bit for anyone who has any of these awards. If anyone can dig up pics of any of this it would be a fantastic addition. WOW! Great minds think alike! No sooner did a post this then there was the pic of The Space Hall. Okay... where's Space Mountain? Thanks so much for posting that! Literally before I posted mine a week ago(?) I knew nothing about these except what it said in the Byrnes reference. And now I've learned so much and looks like I'll continue to learn alot more. I've said it many times before but I'll say it again here... this is just the greatest place on earth for those who collect and do what we do. And we have a terrific membership! Dan

Hi Ed, AMEN to that!!!! Was my thought exactly in getting this going. I think also that it would be an excellent area for specialization which I'm really tempted to do... assuming I can find enough examples and info, etc. They're beautiful little awards, definitely seem to have a great deal of variety as far as grades, sizes and even metal content as well as serial numbered and non-serial numbered examples. There are also tons of other items to go with them... here's an example: Another one I'm keeping my eye on. And I've seen some other types as well. Just seems to me a logical area of Soviet collecting as so much of their society was wrapped around agriculture and industry these seem to be a natural in my eyes. I know alot of folks don't get thrilled by labor awards... but in a way I'd think these are not truly labor awards as they're (by my understanding at least) more for the end result of such labor. I think they're kind of like the TR Seiger awards and such... or akin to say a big county fair here in the states where you win prizes for "best bull" or "best pie" or "best whatever". However on a much larger scale. Also I wonder... were there any monetary prizes given with these awards? I know this was the case in the DDR with the Banner der Arbeit Orders with each grade getting more money. I think it's just a fascinating field and I can only hope we're able to dig up alot more info on these. Here's hoping! I'm certainly willing to do what I can. Dan

Chris, Okay... are just the early ones actual gold and the later plated or are they all gold? And are there silvers or just the alloy ones? I know in Byrnes it says earlier issues gold and silver, later issues gold, silver and bronze. Dan