Richarddwh

Thanks for the positive ID on two completely unconnected awards!?

Gents, thanks for the helpful responses. I'm inclined to go with the Ehrenzeichen für Kriegsfürsorge  1916-18 as the most likely culprit. Interestingly, when I peeled back the ribbon, thinking it would reveal the unfaded colour it was still pink! If nobody minds I've got two other items I've struggled to ID.

Any thoughts on what the pink and white ribbon might be on the buttonhole?

Elmar, many thanks for your comment, very much appreciated. 

Bought these amongst some other items. I'd had seen the enamelled badge before, it has an Austrian eagle. I'm unsure as to whether it's WW1 era or the First Austria Republic. Any thoughts welcome!

The reverse

I agree with tifes in terms of its age, perhaps just prior to 1934 when the Hindenburg cross was issued. Or, as tifes suggests a non-german, though that looks to be the South German style of ribbon mounting. The medals themselves appear, from what I can see, to be good.

Most of the dodgy Austrian medal bars I see tend to be mounted in the conventional German style which I think is perhaps a more saleable look than the Southern style but also much easier to fabricate from a few rolls of ribbon. Whereas the Southern style ribbon has that creased overlap going on that makes it less straightforward to replicate, though existing old stock could be used. That makes your example less likely to be bad. I also like the consistent colour fade of the first three ribbons. Just my initial thoughts.

Have you checked the rims of the medals to see if there any maker marks/marks? The Pro deo medal should be marked 'Bronz' either on the reverse or on the rim. The Karl Troop cross may also have the same  with the wound medal also. The large silver bravery may also have an 'A' on the rim. Not all of the above were marked but I always consider it a bonus if they are!

Any ideas on approximate date?

I would appreciate any opinions on this recent acquisition, it measures a considerable 55mm in diameter. I've heard of the Drei Kaiser bund but not just the Kaiser Bund. It seems well made, I've not seen one before. Would appreciate any thoughts?

Alongside a Hindenburg cross for size comparison.

Nice to have the engraving, looks to be long service related with the 25 Jahre. Yours is the first other of these I've seen.

A couple of recent acquisitions. I do like enamelled patriotic badges. The first badge is marked on the reverse. I have not found anything on Friedrich Drexler of Vienna, has anyone any knowledge of this manufacturer? The second has a naval slant, quite a nice design.

Thanks Nick, I'm going to stick to the '36 variety, they're getting more expensive though.

Is it a co-incidence that the bottom edge of four medals on the left are in line, then there is the Prussian General Honor Decoration, followed by the three on the right also linear but raised higher than the four on the left. Just an observation more than anything.

I have a few of these stars and I like them, they are well made and I am sucker for good enamel work. My knowledge is lacking on the different types. To me, I am looking for examples the two piece varieties which to my eye means they are 1935/1936 varieties.

The following two are recent acquisitions, they are both 'two piecers', but one is less of a typical ruby colour aside from its skewed H&S, the starburst on the reverse is also different from the one on the left. The starburst indentation is shorter than the one on the left which appears to reach close to the centre.

So my question are, does this difference represent a different time periodyear within the 'two piecer' period?

Was different colours of enamels specific to one period area of manufacturer? Or, just a random difference that occurred during the manufacture of millions of these?

Thanks Gents, I was way off the mark! Gordon, I think you're right, I thought it looked vaguely familiar.

I assume this is Austrian but from when, 1930s or far later? Any comments appreciated.

Uwe, many thanks for taking the time to reply, especially for the photo which says it all! I really should have known better, in my experience offical 1936 merchandise, while affordable, was for the most part thoughtfully designed and produced by good quality manufacturers. Something I will have to remember more often!

I recently bought this from an online dealer who also sells on ebay, it was a hasty bid! It measures approximately 70mm in diameter and made of zinc. It was described as souvenir medal available for visitors to the games to purchase.

But in the hand and when I give it thought it does not look right. For a start, one side features the Otto Placzek design that features on the Olympic participants bronze medals, the other side imitates the design that featured on the official Olympic medals of 1936. Which seems a strange combination as each was designed by different people for different purposes.

Also the facial detail of the female victory figure seems crude as well as the detail in general. In conclusion I think it is a cobbled together fantasy piece.

Any opinions would be appreciated. I am set to send this back unless anyone can allay my fears.

Thanks gents for the comments.

Uwe, I think you are correct. I think all the minor athletics events in the year and months preceding the 1936 Games would have buoyed with anticipation prior the OIympics. I quite like it.

The reverse.

I acquired this medallion recently along with some WHW tinnies. Any ideas as to what it might be? My best guess is some kind of WHW medallion commemorating the 1936 Olympics, with space to complete your own name perhaps.

I know this is not the most glamourous of medals but anyone care to air an opinion?

I recently obtained this medal, initially it appeared in excellent condition but I note there is a lack of designer's name on the reverse, lGRIENAUERl. Is this a later replacement, 1940s? Any comments appreciated.

Thanks for the comment, I am tempted to attack it with a pair of pliers but it is does serve as a useful example of everything that could be wrong actually being wrong.

It gets worse, the suspension loop not the clean round loop I would expect. The edges of the arms, well, is messy to say the least.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2011/post-907-0-70203500-1312493558.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2011/post-907-0-02122700-1312493573.jpgI recently acquired a small number of medals, all were good with the exception of this 1914 EKII which frankly looks horrible on numerous grounds. I would appreciate some other opinions as I have written off good pieces before that have turned out to be good.