Hauptmann

Hi all, Here is something I received as a gift from a very close friend well over twenty years ago. Yes, yes, I know... twenty years... the magical number with me! But seriously that's when I did alot of my TR shopping. Anyhow just thought I'd pop it on and let ya'll take a peek. No idea why she picked this particular thing... other than it was big and shiney and well, TR... she hadn't a clue about militaria much less TR but hey, as gifts go I don't think this one is too shabby.

Hi all, Okay, I'm considering letting this old girl go in order to boost me ahead in my quest to purchase a copy of Paul McDaniel's Soviet Orders & Medals reference. Been waiting patiently... well, sometimes, since it was originally published... been seriously waiting since October when I sold some TR stuff to do it... got sucked up in household, etc., and now I'm really, seriously tired of waiting. UPDATE: Well, she's been a good friend all these years but now she's going to be heading to a new home. I love her but time to let someone else enjoy her company. Have had this forever and a day... well over twenty years. Never collected SA per se, just liked the design of the buckle. But did a google search a couple days ago and looks like the prices are up there where it may do me more good finding a new home. And since I never specialized... I saw on the google search one referred to as an early type 1... looked identical to mine except had some kind of tarnish spots all over the front whereas mine seems to be a fairly clean, crisp example. So... if some of you Gentlemen would be so kind as to take a quick peek, give your opinions and any info you think might help and especially if you could give me a fairly good idea of what to charge? I want to charge a fair price but can use all I can get out of it if I sell. And even though I sort of having a friend who hangs in the background drooling and wanting my stuff... if there is anyone here who is intro'd please let me know and perhaps we can work something out. Hope to hear back something soon if possible as I'm now having dreams of "the book" and if I don't get it soon I think I'll end up in the funny farm! Many, many thanks! Dan

Hi Rick, Well, that was going to be my next question but my brain gave out last night. Any idea what the original Captain would have worn, etc? And yes, I kinda figured this was the situation as when I looked it was like... this makes little sense to me... but always good to hear from the "experts". I am but the learner... you are the masters! And hey, catch the movie... it's decent enough. Although I understand where you're coming from. It's like the old war movies and even Combat! which I love... those hugh German breast eagles, mix matches between Heer and SS insignia, etc... drives me up the wall. Tons of little stuff that no one else in the audience picks up on and doesn't think is a big deal. Kim jokes that if I see a new war movie and they get so much as one badge wrong it spoils the whole movie for me. But ticks me off that they spend a ton of money, even have advisors who "should" know better and they still screw up. Was watching some show or movie on cable where this scientist had gone back in time and was advising the nazi's on how to make their super weapons. This other guy goes back to stop him. Things were not "too" bad until they came driving up in their VW Thing! I mean they should have left it yellow or orange with peace sign hanging off the rear view mirror! No attempt to get a Kubel or anything. I could have done better on a buck ninety eight on a really bad day! How come they can't hire us and pay us really good money to advise on these things? They say they want accuracy and then they serve up this garbage. Even when the story is half way decent the inaccuracy spoils it. Granted... mostly for folks like us but then again, we're part of the audience too! Oh well. Gotta go try to "officially" wake up and get the day moving. But will be on (knock on wood) most of the day. Thanks, Dan Mucho thanks! Dan

Hi all, Hope this is okay here... didn't know where else to put it. Been driving me crazy for ages. Anyone who has seen the movie K-19 The Widowmaker with Harrison Ford... on his dress blue uniform... number one, can anyone ID the sub badge (not the sub commander badge) he's wearing? And is that a standard academy badge? Also how about a full list of his medals, etc. I was only able to find three pics that show these. But if anyone else happens to have it on DVD and could check and let me know I'd deeply appreciate. Also do his awards make sense? And if anyone could provide better pics showing the medals, ribbon bar and badges to better effect please do. Anyhow here are the pics: Hoping someone can provide this info. I know some of the medals but want confirmation of all of them if anyone has it on disk and can see them all clear enough as well as that sub pin. Thanks, Dan

Hi Dan, I'll take that as high praise! :-) You name it I've grabbed it. I'm a... "Hey, I like that... oh it's cheap too... I'll grab it." kind of a guy. I'd just be far, far too bored being a specialist. I'm the same with all my hobbies which are many... at least my wife thinks so. Hey, keeps me off the streets... at least when I'm not metal detecting near them. If nothing else I may just find an older piece of ribbon in better shape and put on it. The original was just falling apart. Be afraid to use it and do yet more damage. Shame of it is that I just got a very kind donation of one from Tom Young along with an Italian button he was giving away. He sent the ribbon so I could finally provide one for an WWI IC 2nd that our museum has on display. The IC was a donation from a local WWI vet and his family many, many moons ago... but sadly it had no ribbon. So now it will. I used to have spares but most of my extra ribbon stock went out years ago. Didn't want to let them go... long story but it had to happen. I actually need to build back up. I have several KC ribbons along with a good deal of Eastern Front and Luftschutz left along with a few odds and ends. But definitely, once I get another one I'd be happy to pop it on. She is a very nice piece and I agree that she'll display much nicer with an original ribbon. Thanks, Dan

Hey guys... you have all warmed my heart and set my mind at ease. I just can't say enough how grateful I am to you all for confirming what I always felt in my heart but needed sooooo badly to hear. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Dan

Hey, not that I particularly want to break down and sob at the moment, although it's been that kind of month in some ways... what "would" it have been worth had it not been "screwed" with? Again I don't think I have alot in it... perhaps $5 or something rediculously low like that. Just hope we're not talking about something that might have been a $100 item here! Thanks, Dan

Hi all, First off, Stogieman, no problem at all! Glad I could at least get the ball rolling. And again, it looks the same as the one in my book too... not sure what differenciates the 30's from the 50's version. Probably something simple and obvious but with the day I've had work wise with both jobs I'm probably lucky I can remember how to post right now! But also I did not know there were later versions and at least I have an idea on price now. But I definitely agree... for as much as a comparative newbie as I am in some aspects of all this... looks good to me too! Lets just say I'd love to have it myself. Ya did good methinks! Dan

Hi Paul, Oh, as I said I know that no one intended it that way. Believe me, coming from the trenches of TR and Imperial German I know the frustrations all too well. See, in some things, like that small Chernobyl group I tend more towards the "purist" way. In others... like my getting the occassional copy of an item that is too costly for my budget or simply impossible for me to ever obtain, and doing it by buying it at an extremely reasonable price, as a copy for a space filler representative example I don't see any harm. And I make sure they are labeled as such and both my wife and son have been brought along to know that I do not want these put back out, if at all, as anything other than exactly what they are... no more, no less. I'd rather see them buried with me... hey, now there's a thought! I could indeed take it with me! But I'm totally against pirates out to defraud in any way, shape or form. And of course the best defense against that is to join terrific groups like this, study every reference possible, beg, borrow or whatever, see every legit and even every fake example possible and learn the difference and just use common sense in ones everyday dealings, be it on Ebay or at a shop or show or whatever. It's also important for newbies not to get star struck like kids in a candy shop and think "I'll never find one of these things again... gotta buy it now." and then find out they overspent on one of the most common things to come down the road that year. They also have to learn not to buy into stories... "Oh my great grandfather brought it back from the war where he was the guy to capture the Kaiser's dog." or whatever other whoey is being spouted out by a seller. I've read this same reasoning spelled out in I can't count how many references. Know who you're dealing with, etc, etc, over and over again. Sadly, some folks just don't listen. Sigh. But no, everything is cool and I took it all in the right way. Again I'd love to do something with these bars... either as suggested put on all the Anniversary medals or something... but something so I can display them in a better way. But I'm not going to jump on any one thing without thinking it through and listening to any and all advice. Now, I am in conversation with someone... who suggested something so thought I'd throw it out there. Here's his quote: "The fact that one of jubilee medal ribbons is missing does not mean that the bar is a restrike. Many war veterans got in jail after the war (actually thousands of them) and no wonder some of them missed 1948 awarding. Your forum counterpart lives in a perfect world and does not accept any exclusions from the rule. Lenin jubilee medal on a regular five sided bar was not that uncommon when it was hanging on a long bar. WWII veterans who left the army after the war were still receiving anniversary medals and could wear them any way they wanted and mounted their Lenins next to miliary and anniversary medals. Only men on active duty were subject to guidelines regulating wear of their awards." I've also invited him to come register and join us and put forth his views and see what happens. We're all here to learn from one another and if he has a valid point then he should have the opportunity to share it. If it's incorrect for whatever reason then he should by the same token come and learn why. No idea if he'll come or not but I do hope he will. Anyhow I'd love to hear opinions on his comments as stated above. It's just like my Chernobyl group... would that be a possible explanation for him not receiving the 30th Ann. medal? In any event looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say. Either way, I've got to say this set of three bars has been worth it just to have such a good exchange of thoughts, ideas and opinions and that my friends is always good! Thanks! Dan

Hi Stogieman, I do hope this helps on this one. I have seen it before and I can tell you exactly where: Red Army Uniforms of World War II in Colour Photographs by Anton Shalito, Ilya Savchenkov & Andrew Mollo; No. 14 in the Europa Militaria series. The main reference and photos for it are on page 63 which is nearly the end of the book. There are actually two badges... this one is for Distinguished Marksman of the Red Army, instituted in 1938. The other, which is all brass in color on the background star but with the inscription and the same square pattern in black and of course the star in red and the crossed barrels in silver as are the binocs. That one is for Distinguished Artillery Preparation of the Red Army; instituted in 1936. Can't vouch for the reverse of the badge as I've never seen anything but the front... but I feel they are handsome little badges and I'd love to have a set myself... but no idea what they run. Assume they're pricey since I never see them. But from what I see pictured in the book and comparing it with yours I see no problems whatsoever! Nice find! Anyhow I hope this helps. Dan

Hi Ed, Many thanks. Was kind of afraid of that. And yes, you're quite right and excellent point! Our stuff is generally not done in Russian either. I think we all just need to agree on a common language, quite all this fussing and fighting in the world, get on giant starships and go out in search of new civilizations beyond the stars... and collect their militaria! Thanks, Dan

Hi Stogieman, Oh you don't know how I longed to here more people in the know say this! I feel so much joy right now you just can't imagine. I've always believed in it on most levels but again there was always this nagging doubt brought along by all the problems with German items and especially rare and expensive ones having been duped to death. As well as my usual Bundy luck. Looks like this time the Bundy black cloud has passed me by! And I could not be happier! Thank you sooooooo much! Just out of curiosity as I'd never want to part with it but would pass it down... any idea on rough value? Just a ballpark would do. Also on the Griffin I posted if you happen to know. Thanks! Dan

Hi Rick, Again thanks for taking the time to fill me in on all this. I'd have never imaged these three little bars would have garnered so much attention, good or bad. And see, especially after reading so many of the Soviet award posts on here I've been overly concerned about precedence and what would be right where if I did this. Even if I had done what I originally wanted, and what you are, I believe, suggesting would be okay, here and use them for display of the common stuff, the ann. medals and such. But even there I'd want to make sure I put together something that "made sense". And yet, what Paul said makes me shudder too: "It is a noble idea to try and restore these bars, yet there might not not be too many people here who would encourage disassembling an original medal from a suspension to do so... whether it is a common medal/order or not. A lot of people would view it as destroying a real form of history to create something else(by me anyway)." I mean, I never felt it would hurt to simply remove the rings and medals, keeping each with it's pair and putting them on the new bars... at least for the common unnumbered stuff. I'd keep the original single mounts with their ribbons intact and would leave something with them, in case God forbid anything happened to me so that my family would know what I did and that it could all be passed along intact with those instructions/notes to them or anyone they might sell them too. I honestly would "never" do anything even approaching dishonesty, fraud, etc., and of course that was never my intent and I'm sure that's not what anyone meant. To me it was just a way to display a bunch of the common medals and of course restoring what I took to be good ones back to their former glory. And yes, the "numbered" Orders gave me a problem as well, one due to the cost of the RB's but also that I'd almost have to get unnumbered versions of the medals and probably versions of the RB's where the owner is not known and the numbers had originally been filed off or otherwise removed to hide the original owners identity. Would take me longer and be harder, although perhaps a bit less expensive if my guess that such RB's would be a bit cheaper, but would be much better than doing it with numbered ones that obviously did not belong in such a group. But if they just plain don't make sense the way they are then I wouldn't want to do it. But if I understand you correctly, it would be considered "okay" for display purposes to put, say, my anniversary medals all in a row like that on the big bar, etc. for display in my riker mount? If so then it would definitely serve a purpose, have made it worthwhile for me to get the bars and at least they'd not languish in a parts drawer or something. Again, just want to make sure I "do the right thing" and "don't destroy any history". It's like another group I posted that I got from Alexei M. waaaaaaay back when. It's not mounted... it's a 20th victory, 40th victory (military version) and 50th victory along with a Chernobyl medal. I've always wondered about why he would not have also gotten the 30th victory as that would seem more sensible to me... perhaps his grandkids couldn't find that one to sell as that's where Alexei said he'd gotten them. I also wish I had a picture of him, especially wearing at least some if not all of the awards as that of course always brings such things closer to home. But sadly it's all I got along with his award books. And even then, even though I think they'd look better on a bar, and if he was entitled, to add the 30th albeit with a note attached stating that it was not original to the group, I didn't want to do it as the way I got them is the way Alexei got them from the grandkids and presumeably the way the old gent had them himself. And I would not want to do anything to dishonor the memory of this obviously brave individual who fought the nuclear hell of Chernobyl. Again it's always been a temptation to "make it look better"... even down to one of the ribbons that is soiled... but again, it's how I got them right down the chain so was loath to change anything. I simply keep them together with the info on him and that's it. Just a confusing, frustrating situation all around. As I know there are extreme purists, there are those who defraud and then there are a ton of other shades of those two extreme colors in between. More to ponder... Thanks, Dan

Hi Christophe, Many thanks for the link. Do they have an English version of the site by chance? I was going to check via google or yahoo as they often have a "translate this page" option if nothing else, but for some reason I can't get them to work right now. No idea if they're having problems of if it's something else. I'll keep trying. Thanks, Dan

Hi Terry, Joe, Thanks for checking it out. I take it it looks okay "other" than the poor paint job someone did? And can this/should this be corrected if done right and carefully? It burns me up that especially such a potentially nice award got screwed up this way. Would love to see it back in all it's glory but not at all sure if I'd be the one to do it. Of course I most likely could not do worse than it is now. Those brush strokes especially kill me every time I see it. Oh, I just checked the little ring and there's no sign of an extra mark. Don't know if that matters or not. Thanks, Dan

Hi Rick, Alfred, Many thanks for the comments and the explanations for all this. I'd have had absolutely no idea. I "think" it was an Ebay one and if memory serves I don't think I have much in it at all. It's one that no one bid on if I remember correctly so I grabbed it at minimum bid. Was a looooooooong time ago early on in my Soviet collecting. Just wanted an example of an award book and one with an OoL in it seemed a good one to have. Am extremely sorry to hear what they did to this. Wish it could be undone. It's a crying shame the history that has been damaged due to greed or sheer stupidity. It's like while watching a documentary the other day they mentioned the Dead Sea scrolls and how the mother of one of the finders used some of them as firelighters! ARRRRRRGH! And I can't imagine how much useful reference material was destroyed in the final days of WWII when between the Germans burning stuff, things being destroyed in battle and then vengeful citizens and occupiers finishing up the job. It's a wonder we have anything left! As much as it pains me that it's less than it should be I'm not going to get too broken up over it as again it wasn't a huge investment... upsetting for the loss of history but at least I don't have a ton it it. But glad I posted it as again I'd have had no earthly idea. Thanks guys! You're the greatest! Dan

Hi Paul, Sorry... guess it just caught me on a low eb that night along with some other things going on in our lives right now at work, etc. It's been nuts. And I guess it just threw me back to my early days in TR and all (read my post on my cased 1939 1st Class IC). Had kinda hoped I was beyond that sort of thing after all my years of collecting. Felt I was getting a handle on the Soviet stuff. And I've also got a ton of refs... been lucky in finding them on good sales and such over time. But the thirst for knowledge physically hurts at times! I kid you not. Of course you probably understand exactly where I'm coming from. As supportive as my wife has been over the years, and the fact that she heartily approved the Soviet move as A) it didn't have quite the negative connotations of the TR plus B) she also is a big fan of enamel. She saw these Soviet pieces and was sold! But still, to put out $100 on a reference she thinks I'm nuts. Granted, I'd love to find it cheaper used (who wouldn't) as I'm one who will haunt the bargain book sections in bookstores looking for deals. But these being so specialized plus going out of print fairly fast makes for an expensive book. Sigh. Just one of those things we all have to get through. I'm hoping against hope I'll have enough coming in tomorrow that I can go ahead and go for it. Was supposed to do it back in October when I sold a bunch of my TR stuff. But 95% of that got sucked up into household and things for my wife Kim and son Nick. Wasn't supposed to be that way but you know how that goes. Family comes first, household comes first. So been waiting and trying to get enough saved up ever since. If nothing else I'm contemplating selling a bit more TR stuff in order to have enough to get ahead of the game hobby wise again. My biggest problem is pricing... I've been far too out of the loop for way to long on that stuff. I have a very nice SA buckle... did a google search and found one that looks awful by comparison and that was like $130... saw them down to the $70 range I believe. No idea if this is correct or what. According to the pricey one, which mine looks identical to, it's an early 1st type... I believe that's what it said. I never specialized in buckles... I've always gotten whatever I liked at the time. So never even knew they had types, etc. I'd just want fair prices for anything I sell but want the buyer to be happy to. I've had to sell off things that were near and dear to me in the past when times got hard for whatever reason and we needed the money. And of course when one does that in those circumstances you're at the mercy of others. Let's just say most were not terribly merciful. I'm at the stage where I'd rather keep something than give it away for a tenth of what it's worth. Am sure you are with me on that. Anyhow I'm right there with you on the refs and will continue to make a concerted effort to get Paul's book asap pdq. And many thanks for making me feel alot less idiotic than I felt the other night. Dan

Hi War Lord, Many apologies on the pic. As I've explained in many of my posts I'm struggling with our digital camera and saving towards getting a small scanner so I can do a better job with all this. I'd originally joined and then didn't post anything for fear the pics would not be good enough with the DC but at a point the other night I just couldn't stand not posting anymore and I had to jump in. But I'll be happy to answer any questions I can on the piece. As I said I found it in a pawn shop... the owner had no idea on any history, etc. Just a piece he'd taken in. It was an accidental find... came along with a German helmet which was quite original and in fact that was also confirmed by Jack who became the next owner after me. The only "authority" I've taken it to or shown it to is Jack Angolia and as he #1 wrote the book and #2 owned several we compared it to, and #3 he had no problem with it at that time I just assumed it was okay. He did not seem bothered by the fact that it was gold and again seemed to think it was simply a variation. It's very heavy as were his and just seems a nice overall piece. I figure I've got about $50 in it so don't think I did too bad... and I don't even have the slightest idea what they sell for, now or then. There is and even at the time was absolutely no smell of paint and just no indication that it's anything but what it should be. It has a beautiful rainbow colored toning on it that IMHOP adds to it's beauty. Wish I knew more but that's the extent of what I know. But if you know of something more specific to check for I'll be happy to oblige as I'm just as anxious as anyone to know for 100% sure. I can't imagine that long ago someone making one up that's good enough to fool the experts... I've never known it to be a desireable piece (correct me if I'm wrong) so doubt they'd sell many or make enough to make it a worthwhile project to go to the lengths I'm sure they would have had to go to to do it. Knights Crosses yes, this... I just don't see it happening. And I definitely don't want to like try taking solvents to it to see if the gold will come off or anything as I don't want to damage a potentially scarce piece. Anyhow any suggestions are most welcome and I'll do all I can to provide any other info on it I can. Thanks, Dan

Hi Claudio, Many thanks for that very interesting info on these. I'm simply dying for more info since I've been starved for it since getting this piece. This was not one I sought out... I kinda fell into my lap very unexpectedly and boy am I ever glad it did! And very much appreciate the additional picture of it being worn. This place RULES! Thanks, Dan

Hi Rick, Wanted to thank you both for the "Major's only" piece of info as well as the beautiful picture and info on that recipient. Thanks for posting that. I've "never" seen one in wear. Again would love to know more about it if you could recommend any references in English that would help. Everything I have is sooo sketchy on this one. Mucho thanks, Dan

Very, very nice! Many thanks for posting her. One question though, you say "seperate griffin"... mine has a "medallion" with the griffin which seems to be a separately attached piece. Is this what you mean. Just trying to make sure if I'm understanding correctly that mine is a Godet as again it looks identical to the cased example that was posted. Sooooo much to learn! Also does anyone know if there are any good references "in English" (I'm not fluent enough in other languages for an entire reference) about the Griffin Order? There's scant mention of it in the ones I have and I'm not even entirely sure what it was given for... shoot, I didn't even know this grade was only given to Majors! Definitely would like to know all I can about this beautiful Order. Thanks! Dan

Hi Claudio, Outstanding! Now, I've got to ask... mine looks the same... so does this mean I have an honest to goodness, dare I even hope to think it much less say it... Godet in my collection? If so then I am truly in heaven at this moment as with all I've heard they're one of "the" makers for such things. And granted, I've always seen this as having excellent old world craftsmanship and being beautifully put together... but never dreamed it was a Godet. Now if only I could find a case even near as nice as your's as especially if she's a Godet she deserves that so much more than just a simple small riker mount. She's protected, but not in the style to which she's I'm sure accustomed. Dare I ask... what would such a fine case cost? Daddy has got to start saving for his little girls future! Thanks sooooo much for posting your's... you have literally made my day! Dan

Hi Stogieman, Thanks for stopping by and many thanks for the compliment! She sure is perty ain't she! Thanks, Dan

Ooooh, many compliments me gets on this one! Me like dis! I absolutely could not agree more on the design. And the underlay beneath the enamel adds much to it I think... a design in and of itself in this instance. And there's just soooo much enamel to love. Would also love to know the stats. In fact I know next to nothing about it period. Just what I've seen on here in replies this morning has been an education. I think, value wise, the last one I saw on Ebay went for upwards of $800 some odd, but please, everyone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong... hopefully in the even more expensive direction! Thanks so much for the compliments. My beauty also appreciates them. She's feeling very self satisfied and contented, purring away, which is the way I like's her. Thanks, Dan

Hi all, I was told when I got this quite a number of years ago that it was a fuse or timer for a naval mine. No idea if this is correct or not but figured if it is this is the place to put it. Hope someone out there can help to put a more positive ID on this one. Thanks, Dan