Hauptmann

Any thoughts on the maker on this one? Dan

And another black:

Don't know why I didn't post this one here yet but here it is:

They were often awarded for long or useful service. So not just for valor in times of war. Hope this helps. Dan

You're certainly getting great deals for sure! Congrats! I've been on the lookout for a WW1 uniform or at least a tunic. Kim's grandfather enlisted as a Private, went to artillery officer's school in Camp Taylor Kentucky and came out a 2nd Lt. So actually in honor of him I'd love to find a Privates artillery tunic as well as an Officers for the Dental Corps which is what he was commissioned into as he was indeed a dentist. I keep hoping something like these will pop out of the woodwork up here in an estate sale or something but in the meantime my main sources are GMIC, Ebay, friends at shows. So far I've not been able to find/get one. Now I have to wait for my $$ situation to get better but hoping that won't be much further in the future. But keep us posted on these great finds! It just proves that things can still be found coming out of the woodwork and deals can still be had! Happy New Year! Dan

Happy New Year! And happy birthday to your 1911! Only hope I look half that good if I make it to 100! Thanks for sharing! Dan

First off... welcome aboard! Secondly, I wonder if such would/could go in Uniforms & Equipment... being more on the equipment side of things. I think up till now such items have been in posted/discussed in their respective areas... ie: Kreigsmarine in the Kreigsmarine Awards & Militaria in the Uniforms & Equipment subsection and the SS in the Political Organizations Awards Badges & Militaria but then there's really not a clear subsection in there for this. Might be a good time to consider a section for Third Reich Cutlery & Dishware/China... but of course such would be up to Chairman Nick. I'll give him a nudge and see what he thinks. I myself have some items that would bit in such an area and I know other members do as well. Many thanks for bringing this up. Hang loose for just a bit and I'll see what I can find out. Dan

Ahh, South African orchid: Beautiful flowers! Dan

Thanks Megan! I really think it's cool how they've used animals and plants native to SA as part of the design of their awards and insignia. Would definitely like to learn more. Am seriously considering a start in SA militaria for this reason. Dan

What is the design in the center... almost looks like some kind of fruit. Very interesting designs on SA Orders and medals. Dan

Man but I wish our thrift store here in town would come up with goodies like this! Great finds!!!! Dan

Would have thought they'd be more. Out of my reach but perhaps not impossible down the road. But as you say... getting them out would be the problem. Of course I guess one could get oneself befriended by a group of Cossacks and made an honorary Cossack... then... perhaps. Dan

That is a beautiful award!!!! Have any been up for sale and if so any idea how much? Probably a mint but man that would be a nice addition to anyone's collection! Dan

Mucho thanks! I'm happy to see it's a good quality and heavy construction. Dan

Very nice! What's the size on these out of curiosity? Dan

Although I am biased... green being my favorite color! Dan

Both the Orders and the medal are quite nice. A very simple yet elegant design. Congrats on your new goodie! And a beautiful case and document to boot! Dan

Dan

Some minis: