Markus

Close up of the enamel medallion 5th class Knight Lion And Sun order.

A 5th class Knight, French made Lion and Sun purchased from JKmilitaria. Incredible workmanship! The Knight class is rarer than the Commander or Officer badges.

The back of the medal with Halley nameplate.

This is a close up of the enamel medallion.

Halley Lion and Sun Order, 4th class. Made by Halley at their first place of business, 143 Galerie de Valois, Palais-Royal (c. Napoleon III period). This establishes the manufacture of this medal in the 1852 to 1870 era. Halley was making orders in the mid to late 19th century and was succeeded by Octave Lasne.

The back of the Faiz Allah Lion And Sun medal has Persian name plate of manufacture.

Close up of enamel the medallion.

A Persian made order of Lion and Sun, 4th class, made by Faiz Allah. Appears to be an early piece form mid 1800's. Was told that Faiz Allah was a famous Persian miniature painter. I love the detail and skill shown in painting the lion and sun medallion.

Excellent additions to your collection. I would have to put this order in the top most beautiful order medals made. Any idea as to the maker of your medals? Any maker marks? Congratulations! Markus

I had exactly the same experience with the odd man at Maison Platt and am grateful that TacHel gave me the heads-up warning about this guy so I wasn't shocked. He buzzed me in and panicked as I proceeded to walk towards him saying, "Stay right there! Do not come any further!" I showed him my list of orders I was interested in and he said, " No do not have, good bye!" Maybe he was robbed in the recent past, since he is so jumpy. I could not see any medals what so ever on display, so it was a total waste of time. On the bright side, I would have to agree with Bison in that Jean Christophe Palthey, 1 rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 PARIS, "Galerie Histoire et Curiosités" is one of the best shops in Paris. I purchased two breast stars from him and really enjoyed his expertise and selection of medals. Markus

This medal is related to the Spanish Order of Charity. Beautiful medal that appears to be an old piece with incredible workmanship. I can see why you added this to your collection. The Spanish order of Charity breast stars have the same "La Caridad" written on them. http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/Order-of-Charity-Grand-Cross-breast-star-L15131.html Regards, Markus

Hey Don, I think Austrian medals are fantastic, particularly the Kingdom era ones. The best source in my opinion would be European Auction houses. Dorotheum is an Austrian Auction house that always has good stock in their order and medals auction. Here is a link to their forthcoming auction in November. http://www.dorotheum.com/en/auctions/auction-9138-orders-and-decorations.html The only downside is that their auctions draw collectors with deep pockets on some of the rare orders and you pay 20-25% commissions/taxes on top of your winning bid. Best of luck! Markus

Original cannons from Napoleon's French Empire days in the Army museum courtyard.

Napoleon's grave.

A closeup of Patrice Rebouls shop display. Large variety of international and French medals.

Hello Alf, Paris has some nice medal stores. As Tachel mentioned, the Palais Royal has a couple of medal shops. Bacqueville (This maker of medals and medal dealer has been in business since 1790.) is at 7 & 8 Galerie Montpensier, Palais Royal. This is an arcade type area that used to house some of the famous medal makers of Paris. Kretly, Halley and chobillon used to have shops here. Galerie Numistique. 4 Galerie de Montpensier. Palais Royal. A medal dealer that has a few stores around Europe. Maison Platt. 49 Rue de Richelieu. I have never been to this store but I have heard many nice things about it. It is located one street over from Palais Royal. The medal dealer across from the Lourve in the les antiquaires shopping complex is Patrice Reboul's shop. http://www.patricere...tegoryItem=2966 His shop is well worth the visit in that he has a huge collection of orders and medals. Be forewarned that his prices are pretty steep, but if there is something you must have, it is worth it. Napoleon's grave is housed in a chapel at Hotel Des Invalides. This complex also has the army museum. There are sections of the museum that have old armor and weapons, Napoleon era uniforms, medals and battle plans. You can buy one ticket to see everything in the property. Have fun! Markus

Nick, Thanks for all your fine work. So little is available about dating the higher classes of the Golden Kite, so every bit of information is greatly appreciated. It looks like my sample of the Golden Kite is clearly a type 7 Showa fifth class. Do you agree? The differences in the Kite birds are so small. Thank you, Markus

Very nice Chris! I like the hand wrought designs of the Ethiopians pieces. These pieces add a bling factor to your collection. What was the justification for customs seizing your earlier pieces? Markus

Hey Gavin, Great looking medal and a nice pick up from your London trip! I also like the velvet green box! Congratulations on another fine addition to your collection. Markus

Back of Breast Star with Kretly name plate.

Close up of medallion.

A new arrival from Künker Auction House. First Class Persia Lion Sun Breast star, Kretly Paris made.

Back of medal. Very high quality workmanship of European manufacture.

Close up of medallion. A true beauty of a lion!

New Arrival to my pride of Lion Suns. Thank you Gavin for spotting this beauty on a German Dealer site. The maker could be Belgian maker Wolfer, based on other samples of this maker I have seen.