Hauptmann

How about these?

Many thanks in advance! Dan

How about this one?

MM 25 is: Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Graveur-, Gold und Silberschmeide-Innungen, Hanau. Dan

Here ya go! Dan

Just found this and thought it might be of interest: David Niven as a 2nd Lt w/ the Highland Light Infantry (1932) back row far right. Being Scottish, Niven requested assignment to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders or the Black Watch; then jokingly wrote on the form, as his third choice, "anything but the Highland Light Infantry" (because the HLI wore tartan trews rather than kilts). He was assigned to the HLI, and his comment was known in the regiment. Thus Niven did not enjoy his time in the Army. He served with the HLI for two years in Malta, and then for a few months in Dover. In Malta, he became friends with Roy Urquhart, future commander of the British 1st Airborne Division. David Niven with first wife and son James David Graham Niven born 1.3.1910 Belgrave Mansions,London son of William Edward Graham and Henrietta Julia (nee de Gacher) Niven father Lt,Berkshire Yeomanry killed Gallipoli 21.8.1915 age 37 mother remarried Sir Thomas Comyn-Platt educated Stowe and RMC Sandhurst Highland Light Infantry (2Lt) left Army 1933 film actor since 1935 Rifle Brigade 1939 Phantom 1940s ended war as Lieutenant Colonel married Primula Rollo 1940 (2 sons) married Hjordis Tersmeden 1948 (adopted 2 daughters) biography The Moons a Balloon died 28.7.1983 Chateau dOex Cemetery,Switzerland Dan

Hi Windu. Congratulations! A nice example with just a bit of been there, done that on the iron core. How bout a shot of the reverse? Here's to many more! Dan

Many thanks Bob! And no problem re: the concur. I'm actually struggling with a cut on one of my fingers I got at work... hurts like all get out and is making typing a bit tough at the mo... and for me that's saying alot as I'm a speed typist from many years of working in the publishing industry... 135 wpm on my best days but not tonight. Having to be really careful not to make errors. Dan

Now all ya'll need is the staff cars to put them on. Seriously though... beautiful and not often seen items in superb condition! Congrats to you both! Dan

And please know I'm not trying to be harsh here... just instructional. I pray you don't have alot in these items. If you do I'm very sorry... but this is what we try to do here is educate others so they don't obtain such items unless it is purchased as a replica or fantasy item. And as with such items it's generally small details like this that trip them up and show what they truly are. To be honest, if I saw that goblet for sale for say less then $40 or thereabouts and had the money burning a hole in my pocket it might be something I'd pick up to pop on a shelf for a display. But I'd know what it was, would make no bones about it and would use it to educate other collections. I do have copies in my collections and that's how I use them. It's neat, just like copies of WW1 or WW2 Steins, etc., but they are what they are... no more, no less and again as long as they are purchased with that in mind for a reasonable amount and not misrepresented then no problem... at least IMHOP. It's a shame such items are out there... because they are so misused, but they'll never go away as long as someone can make a buck with them. So best we can do is educate ourselves to try and prevent anyone from buying them under false pretenses and for a lot of money. I think it's great you posted them, and that they can be used to educate others. That's always a good thing. Again I pray you don't have alot in them. But if you do, remember we've all been there, done that and lost money on copies, fantasy items, etc. It happens... but as with all mistakes you learn from them. Dan

A slight exception... a DAF finial... not a silver mark but an RZM marking (ie: passed quality control): But these would have also been up on flag poles and not seen as readily as an item that would be displayed on a desk or shelf such as with those "EK trophies". Dan

A couple of examples. A torch holder from the 1936 Olympics. All markings are under the top section: An ashtray, also from those games:

I'm no expert... but I was in TR for a lot of years. Was also at John Angolia's home/collection several times as well as tons of museums, read tons of refs, etc., and have NEVER seen such goblets for award of the EK. I know at times, as with Richtofen such items may have been privately ordered but I've never seen one that was officially awarded by either the German gov't at the time or the Luftwaffe. On top of that... I have also NEVER seen such a mark on the obverse of any piece such as that eagle. There were quality control organizations for both the NSDAP and the military forces that assured that all items were manufactured/produced in the proper way. In the early days there was alot of Kitsch (often inferior products) marketed with Hitler's image and symbols of the party by folks trying to make a quick buck based on the growing popularity of the nazi's. After the nazi's came to power they quickly put an end to such things. And in the case of this eagle, this is the symbol of one brance, ie, the Air Force of the nazi regime. There is simply now way that such an item would have passed inspection. If it did get out no self respecting member of the Luftwaffe would have displayed such an item. "If" it was indeed an original piece privately purchased for either a unit presentation, one from members of a unit to a respected colleague or even an individual awarding one's self a trophy to commemorate such an occasion, to have such a mark on the national symbol of the Luftwaffe would have been unacceptable. It would have been pointed out, assuming it got as far as the store shelf, and sent back to be melted down as a faulty item. Such marks tended to be, as stated, on the underside of the base, the reverse of awards, etc., and not on the front or other easily visible place. Just my two pfennigs worth but I'm fairly sure others here familiar with the TR will concur. Dan

Good finds Rick! Look fine to me. Dan