Hauptmann

And although post war Hungarian... I'm going to pop this in here:

Commemorative Medal of the World War

[attachmentid=44181][attachmentid=44182]

(Signum Memorias)

[attachmentid=44176][attachmentid=44177]

Kreigserinnerungsmedaille (War Commemorative Medal)

[attachmentid=44178][attachmentid=44179]

Hi all,

Here's my humble little collection of Austrian awards. Used to have a few more and like an idiot let them go.

But kept the bulk of them so here they are for your enjoyment.

Die Milit?rverdienstmedaille (Signum Laudis)

Miltary Merit Medal

[attachmentid=44171][attachmentid=44172]

Die Kriegsmedaille 1873

The (General) War Service Medal

[attachmentid=44173][attachmentid=44174]

Dan,

Can't tell you anything about the gas mask except as the nose clip isn't there, it'll more than likely be a late war model.

I don't know what the bag is either but it's probably US as the only Brit Putnam in the RAMC was a Captain.

Does the Brodie have a name and number on the chinstrap?

Below are pics of my Brodies with liners to show you what the stamp looks like. The clean looking one was Brit Brodie used by the US.

Tony

Hi Tony,

Basically took pics of all that I could so if it's not in the pics it's not there. That's not to say it might not have been removed, but considering that even the instruction booklet and accessory pack was still attached it looks as if it's very complete.

Name on the bag is U.S. It was a Sgt. Putnam who also brought back some of the German souvenirs I posted. His name and info was printed on the top of the German Stahlhelm shown in that post:

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=9005

Again no such red marking was in the helmet so don't know. I "think" there is at least a name on the chinstrap but it's probably that of Sgt. Putnam. Will try and remember to check next time I'm over there... may not be till the coming weekend at least.

Thanks!

Dan

Hello dan if your ever in doubt about any items and this goes for everyone notify your local authoritys dont throw them away in the trash or dump them .children may find them or even people who would use the contents to make further devices.I understand your fears of getting into trouble,im sure you could think up excuses...old family war souvenirs etc.even if the items turn out to be safe its better to look stupid than look dead or maimed......here endeth the sermon....

ok dan im off back on my mission to id these items

Hi Spotter,

Again definitely on track with you on this. Had I noticed the sound of the powder when I was getting that one... I would have just told the store owner to call the authorities to have them check it out. It was after all only a buck and not worth getting hurt over. But I would have passed on it. Just wish I'd realized cause now it's my problem.

But assuming on that one that it's basically like an oversized rifle round... as long as it doesn't get in a fire or no one pounds on the cap it should be okay... but if it's live I'd just rather not have it.

I'm sure if I explain to them then it won't be any problem. They're pretty good about stuff here whereas in some cities, especially nowadays they'd have the NG, Sheriff, Police and just about anyone else they could think of on my doorstep to "pick it up" with some gadget or other. Whereas I think I'll just stop buy as there's usually a Sgt. on duty over there and I can simply check with him and if it's okay'ed by him I'll bring it in and if they want it, they can have it as they'll be able to handle it better than I will.

But let me know if that sounds like what I should do as I'll hold off doing anything till I hear back from you again.

Thanks!

Dan

Was surfing Ebay, to see if there was an Iranian gold coins up for auction. So I typed in Iran Gold, and found this.........

1. If Iranian women look like this when do we invade!!!!!!!

2. I think this might be a bit misleading however??????

Hey guys... if we don't invade then we "MUST" immediately conclude a treaty of absolute friendship!!!! Then have the female contingent over for a sleep over!!!! All in the interests of international peace and friendship, you understand.

Dan

Dan,

Wait a couple of months when I get Polands Order of Virtuti Militari Grand Cross cased and the VM 2nd Class & the 5th class. I already have the 3rd & 4th Class of the Vm.

Doc

Doc, I can't wait to see them!!!! Especially that GC set cased. To me, the most impressive of Orders look a thousand times better "cased". I hope and pray that I can somehow, sometime get a case for my GC of the Romanian Crown. Would also absolutely love a case for my Order of the Griffin. And eventually my GC of the Legion of Merit... haven't posted that yet, but coming soon to a theater near you!

Kevin said he'd check around out his way for the Romanian one. I do hope he has some luck. That poor set has been crying out for a case for ages. I got it in a riker mount and then had to use that for other things. Don't have near enough rikers for what I need them for and about the only time I ever got them was in deals with stuff in them or if I occassionally found them for cheap at flea markets.

I have some nice bigger display cases including three locking metal types but they're all big and just don't have the space to display with them... yet. I keep hoping someday...

So for now smaller types like the rikers are what I have to go with.

Well, keep them cards and letters coming! And lots and lots of pics!!!! Love dem pics!!!!

Thanks!

Dan

Dan DO NOT try to loosen that fuze/plug untill it can be positively identified.....im going to try look up the others now.BUT LEAVE THAT ONE ALONE

Hi Spotter,

Will do... kinda figured... am always EXTREMELY careful with such things. Had a Civil War Hotchkis shell that was "supposed" to have been disarmed. But I could find no drill holes and the fuse looked like it had not been out in a gazillion years. Didn't fool with it and as much as I loved it I felt it was too much of a chance so I passed it on to more experienced collectors to deal with.

Also, in my post #2 in the first three pics... I got that for like a buck ages ago in an antique store. Didn't realize till later... if you shake it a bit it sounds like powder inside.

Here's the markings on that one:

ZEL-1-47-62-20MM 55A3

No idea if that's a practice round made that way with say sand inside... but kinda suspect it might be a live one. If so, is it dangerous and should I get rid of it and if yes to that, how? Should I take it to the local Guard Armory and let them deal with it? I can't get in any trouble if I do that can I? I'd much prefer to have nothing dangerous in my collection.

I'm hoping the small one is not dangerous... there seems to be no firing pin like on the #2 post above. Only other live stuff I have is like rifle or pistol ammo and it's all properly stored and locked up so no one else can access it. And it's all stored in the basement/bunker.

Will await your advice.

Thanks!!!!

Dan

Here's the Cross of Valor in the plush Spinks & Son, LTD case.

Doc

Hi Doc,

Great pieces! Especially LOVE that case!!!! An absolute beauty. Seems most of the Warsaw Pact countries cases lacked bases... except for Hungary, although there were a few nice Bulgarian ones with bases too. And in Poland at least for the higher ones I suspect... like my Polonia Restituta. No idea why as it seems like a no brainer... gonna make a nice case, go the extra step otherwise the award gets jostled around inside.

As you've seen my Cross of Valor (later type... 1944) has no case... but hopefully some day I'll be able to pick one up so she'll have a home. My bronze Cross of Merit is in the same boat I'm sad to say. But all things come in time to those who wait.

Keep em' coming!

Dan

QUOTE(Rick Research @ Jun 18 2006, 00:05 ) ←

Several of those appear to be upside down to my weary bleary 1 AM eyes.

Go to Lukasz Gaszewski's WONDERFUL ribbons of the world website and at least they will be ID'd.

If I did this right, the link will be directly to his East German ribbons page:

http://www.medals.pl/de/ddr.htm

Hi Rick,

Well, just received my first (and hopefully first of many as I think I'm hooked now! ) DDR ribbon bars. Even though I didn't think I'd be so lucky... the big one is indeed a two row!!!!

And you were right... upside down. So with the shorter row on top... I believe the one on each side is out of order, correct? And if so, would it be okay for me to "carefully" switch them round? Also, would the one currently in the center remain there in the same position?

I'm still amazed at them using paper ribbons... are they not the only nation to have done so? You'd think if they were caught in a sudden storm or something such things would be ruined very quickly. The backings are cool... especially with the way they attached the two bars... has that little bit of jiggle to it. Can just hear the undertone of clicking as they marched!

But they all look to be in great shape and I'm so glad I jumped on them. If only I can luck out and find some more at anywhere near that kind of price... but have a feeling that won't happen much... if ever again. I'm so thankful for these... it's been a looooooooong wait but well worth it!

Thanks!

Dan

ok dan no problem

Hi Spotter,

Sorry about that. Was just bonkers last night and had to get some . Here's some info:

On the smallest of the three there are absolutely "no" markings that I can see. I tried to get the head to screw off but it's tight. I don't want to use pliars as that may damage the aluminum. Will have to figure out some way to get it off to see inside... if that's even adviseable. I have no history on this other than it was used by a friends dad for ages as a paperweight when he sold knives at flea markets. No telling where he got it or when.

And as I don't really know anything about these... is there any danger in unscrewing one that's tight? The two German ones come right off and are hollow inside.

Anyhow the smallest one measures:

3 inches in length

5/8's of an inch in diameter at the base at the widest point

The German ones are:

3.25 inches in length

5/8's of an inch in diameter at the base but that does taper out slightly on the main body of the shell.

The markings are:

On the aluminum:

AZ150* eeo 52 (* = obscured by small gouge... would think z).

AZ150z eeo 53 44

On the body right above the band:

44 bk z4k (Waffen Amt) WaA 411 W (same on both).

Both have a red color all around where the stampings are above the band. From there up to the head it's the remnants of a mustard yellow color.

The bottoms on these two have a pinkish material in them... looked like dirt at first but definitely something pinkish color upon closer examination.

When I unscrew the heads, the shells themselves are empty with only a small dot or circular impression dead center at the base. The heads are threaded of course and on the base of them they have a square notch in either side which seems like it's for some sort of spanner tool or something... no idea what or why. And inside has a dot or tiny circular impression dead center.

Anyhow hope this helps. Need any more info your wish is my command.

Many thanks,

Dan

Phew glad your not dissapointed ,on the rounds with the screw off fuzes?? is there any writing/numbers on the fuzes and approx what size are the rounds e.g 20mm 30mm.

Hi Spotter,

Many thanks for all the info. And shoot no... no biggie. I still think it's neat. Be happy to get you any and all info on the other rounds... but have to do that later today. Getting ready to sign off and hit the bed and that's all down in the bunker. But will post asap later today.

Thanks!

Dan

Hauptman i have bad news on your german fuze..Its american ..its an M6/M7 firing/boobytrap device used with mines and can also be used on grenades with an adapter.This isnt the best of pictures so ill try find others to post later

[attachmentid=44048]

Hi Spotter,

That's okay... I think it was a gift and I made the assumption it was German. So not a biggie. But good to know and many thanks for the info!

Thanks!

Dan

Gentlemen,

Yes, that is definitely Felix Dzerzhinski. Known as “Iron Felix”, he can be considered to be the founder of the communist secret police. Such a medal would make sense as he was always one of the favorite communist icons. There are numerous badges and pins that commemorate his life and death. Beria? Never! Too twisted, even for that bunch.

Bob Hoskins stole the show with his portrayal of Beria in a film called “The Inner Circle”; a little known film which I highly recommend to anyone even if only vaguely interested in The Stalinist period.

Best wishes,

Wild Card

Hi WC,

Yes, that's it! The Inner Circle (1991)... great film! Highly recommend it. Also Stalin with Robert Duvall (1992).

Also, there's a great movie... a comedy... a bit offbeat though but great... called Children of the Revolution. It explains how Stalin "really" died.

Dan

Chris,

I think it's Felix Derzhinsky, the first head of ChK.

Simon

I agree Chris, that's definitely him. Beria was clean shaven, kind of looked a bit like Bob Hoskins who I believe played him in a movie along the way. Had those little metal framed glasses if I remember correctly. Beria was a real nasty if ever there was one. Stalin's lap dog! An awful beast who got what was coming to him. At least some folks in the General staff and Politburo had some good taste and sense of justice in them.

Don't know why I didn't catch this the other night as I saw all these then. My mind was elsewhere I guess.

Thanks Simon for picking up on this one... good catch!

Dan

Hi Dan (Hauptman),

Since your original post, I have resisted the following vignette regarding Paul’s book; but...

I was fortunate to receive my copy just after publication. I immediately dove into it. A couple of hours later, my wife, who I should note has lived with my (mostly Imperial German) collecting for over twenty years. came in. I handed the book to her and said “Take a look at this”. An hour or so later, she came back, handed the book to me and said “This is how medal books are going to be written”. Very insightful, we can only hope she’s right. Ops! What I said! Of course, she’s always right.

So there you are Dan, from a real authority, you’re going to love your new book.

Best wishes,

Wild Card

Hi WC,

I too have a very supportive wife who has lived, mostly very happily with all my assorted hobbies all these years. And nice thing is, she really "loves" the Soviet Orders and such... gets that dreamy look in her eyes when it comes to that enamel... same as me!

Can't wait to get the new one. Busily scheming away to make that happen as we speak. Just depends on what sells first.

And yes, they're always right, even when they're not.

Have a great one!

Dan

Here is my limited selection of loose ribbon bars. Note the one on the top row right shows service in both the Police and NVA. Kevin

YES! Those are perfect!!!! Should I send over my address via PM?

Seriously though, beautiful! I should be so lucky. Many thanks for sharing those... gives me a goal to keep working towards.

I'm sure some more good deals will pop up over time. Just don't know what it is... curse of the DDR ribbon bars or something. Three times I missed and they went for dirt... and very reasonable dirt I might add. And they were about the size of your larger three bars... hey, where were you those three days?

Thanks thanks for sharing those. I always enjoy seeing them beautiful bars!

Dan

Dan,

There is nothing what so ever on the back of the badge

Very intresting that the word doesnt tranlate

But thanks very much for the hard work you put in trying to figure out what it is. With Hungarian I wouldnt no were to start.

So when is the Bulgarian Version of the Red Bible coming out???

Order of Victory

Oh how I wish they'd come out with one... for all the Warsaw Pact countries. So much of this stuff is sooooo obscure to the majority of us mere mortals. But at this point I'm thankful to have my copy on here of Boyan's book on the Bulgarian PR Orders and medals. Sad about the pics although they're definitely good enough to give a very good idea of what's what. And for $8 you can't beat that!

On the word not translating... wouldn't worry about that. Even DDR stuff... like in the references and such. Occassionally I'll come up with one that simply won't translate. Sometimes it can be picked apart and you can still figure it out. But often they were names of organizations or simply something that's a combination of Russian communist language mixed with the language of the satellite country.

I mean, that other cased award I want... I translated the first word as Army no problem. But the second... nothing. But hopefully over time I'll figure it out.

Thanks,

Dan

Dan - These ribbon bars could be used on all police uniforms (VOPO, TRAPO, BEPO, Justice, etc...) The Border Guards had their own medals that were simular to the NVA. The Kampfgruppen were also part of MdI, but they also had their unique set of medals. Kevin

Many thanks Kevin. Guess my Trapo is going to get dressed up a bit then.

Guess I'll have to stay on the hunt for some army and BG bars. I'd love a medal bar at some point too if I can find one at a good price... especially one with the service medals I like with the three soldiers on the obverse. Just love those!

And someday... with luck, I'd LOVE to have one of the larger sized bars... even a put together at this stage of the game as a representative example.

Thanks again!

Dan

Dan,

This is a bit but the quote you have below your signature

Herr General, I see now I have notions of honor which are outdated.

Ahh they're not outdated! They're stored. With care and love, for better times.

Where does that come from?

Hi Mike,

Well, as I see it the subject of "honor" is never

It's from the film The Blue Max. It is part of the conversation between General Count von Klugermann (James Mason) and Hauptman Otto Heidemann (Karl Michael Vogler) (my avatar by the way, thanks to my lovely and talented wife Kim.) in the General's office. Heidemann took Bruno Stachel (George Peppard) to Berlin for Court Martial, only to find that the General planned to give him the Blue Max. The General was explaining "the facts of life" to Heidemann.

The full quote is actually:

General Count von Klugermann: Take a look outside. See that? Revolution is just beneath the surface! If that happens, everything we stand for will be DESTROYED -- unless the German officer corps stands like a rock, intact! And what is more important, untarnished. I made this Stachel into a national hero for good military reasons. If I court-martial him now, it will reflect on the integrity of the whole officer corps.

Otto Heidemann: Herr General, I see now, I have notions of honor which are outdated.

General Count von Klugermann: Ahh, they're not outdated!

[pause]

General Count von Klugermann: Stored. With care, and love, for better times.

Here's a page of other quotes from the film:

http://indie.imdb.com/title/tt0060177/quotes

Although they missed the one where Stachel tells the Countess that the Blue Max is a piece of scrap metal worth exactly 5 Marks. I love that one!

Anyhow hope this helps. Methinks it's time to go down in the bunker, dig out the film from the archives and spend a pleasant afternoon in another time and place...

Dan

I think I am too late to help here.

No football and no traffic jam, just one week on duty with the Bundeswehr including shooting this great baby here with a life round!

http://www.waffenhq.de/infanterie/panzerfaust3.html

Hi Jens,

I could certainly think of worse ways to spend the weekend then hunting for squirrels with that little jewel!

Dan

Dan,

That is a set anyone would want to have in their collection. VERY NICE!!!

Best,

Doc

Hi Doc,

Many thanks! I've had it for ages. Fell in love with that beautiful case the moment I saw it. And all together it's just a joy. I only wish I could get a cased Order of Franz Joseph and one of the Red Cross decorations, also cased. I think those of two of the most beautiful Austrian Orders, especially the FJ.

Dan

Congrats - These would look good on a police uniform since they are almost all MdI ribbons. Kevin

Hi Kevin

Would they work on Transportation Police? I have one of those. How about Border Guard? And would it matter officer or enlisted?

Thanks!

Dan

Hi Spotter, Jens... many thanks for the info. I'm especially so relieved that my "egg" is German. Funny enough I'd never really "seen" the RF until I took the photos... don't know why but it just never struck me for some reason... and then all I could think was Republique Francais.

Methinks I need to do a bit of cleanup work on some of these. They've not been out of the wood ammo crate for years!

Dan

Nice Tabs Dan!

Man you are full of surprises...what else will you pull outta the wood work?

Cheers

Paul

Hi Paul,

ROTFL!!!! Well, let's just say I try never to be boring. Tons more yet to come. I've always enjoyed show and tell! And I'm a great accumulator as well which helps.

It's like in Patton, where Bradley says "George, I think if you were promoted to Admiral of the Turkish Navy, your aides could dig into their haversacks and come up with the appropriate badge of rank."

I'd like to think that I'm like that... to a point.

Dan