Leatherneck

The document from his service in the 1st US Vol. Cav, has an ink stamp to the top left...which might be for the award for the Spanish War Service Medal #18880.

Howard

Hi Gents,

From what I've learned, a "well known" dealer from Pennsylvania bought the cross.

And he didn't buy it for an"ebay" discount! Maybe we'll get to see it in person at the MAX show.

Cheers,

Howard

Thanks for the link, Howard.

I see that he was sentenced to death. I wonder what he was convicted on to get that initial sentence.

Also, I wonder how he came to win the DKiS as a Reservist?

Hello Paul,

Von Falkenhorst was determined to be guilty of Hitler's commando law,

where as any Resistance member or commando's were sentenced to death.

Von Falkenhorst being commander of Norway was guilty because of his rank.

I'm not sure if he actually signed any of the death warrents....however he was the CO.

His death sentence was commuted in 1953(?) due to poor health.

As to the GCiS, I have no knowledge.

Cheers,

Howard

I'm curious, how many men of this rank were there during the war? I would think that just having one would narrow the choice down quite a bit.

I'm not asking for an exact figure, but I've got this strange feeling the actual number is going to make me think....

IF THERE WERE THAT MANY MADE WHY DON'T I HAVE ONE????

~TS

Hello TS Allen,

To my recollection......around 30-40 of this rank. I'd need to go back through my reference pile to find the proper number.

Cheers,

Howard

An RK and a DKiS?

What an odd combo. I wonder how he earned the two?

Hello Paul,

Here a great link to his service record.

http://www.geocities.com/~orion47/WEHRMACH...T_NIKOLAUS.html

Cheers,

Howard

Hello Gents,

Just curious how important are size and weight measurements of original pieces?

Would this also help to determine authentic from reproduction?

Interesting thread, looking forward to hearing the outcome of Mike's PLM.

Cheers,

Howard

That's what I thought as well - he was a very tall man and the DK in silver was awarded to him on January 20, 1945 - very likely he never had the loops put on your tunic. In the picture he is wearing a different tunic

Hardy

Hardy,

Thanks for posting the photo.

Yes, Falkenhorst was awarded the German Cross...and was fired / relieved of command by Hitler.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Howard

The only "suspect" would appear to be Nikolaus von Falkenhorst. If you can find a portrait of him wearing this....

I never get to any shows.

Thanks Rick,

I spent many hours of research on this tunic, and like you Falkenhorst was the only possible owner.

However, all the photographs I have found show him in overcoats as Commander of Norway.

Still haven't found the prefect photo......! Maybe someday?

Thanks for your help!

Howard

No right pocket loops for a German Cross?

Hello Rick,

Correct, there are NO loops for a German Cross.

Loops for EK 1st, and EK 1st Spange to center of pocket, and 2 badges to either side of the cloth Johanniter Oder.

Also 6 loops above pocket for long ribbon bar.

The large size of the tunic suggests the owner was between 6 foot and 6 foot 3-4. Not to plump.

Decent physical build, est. size at around a US 44.

Rick, if your attending the MAX show I can bring it with me.

Regards,

Howard

last photo.

Thank You,

Howard

..

eagle

..

more photos

Hello Gents,

I own a very nice GeneralOberst tunic that is not named. The tailor tag inside the pocket was removed. Being this is such a high ranking general, I have narrowed the possible owners to a half dozen possible choices just by the award of the cloth Johanniter Oder. Is there any other way to narrow it further? The tunic is a larger size, near a 44R US. If anyone needs more information please let me know.

Thank you,

Howard Kelley

Single. Front.

Still have not mastered the skill of EK photographing. Still get the flach-back!

Cheers,

Howard

Reverse of cross.

HK

Single. Front.

Still have not mastered the skill of EK photographing. Still get the flach-back!

Cheers,

Howard

Schinkel on four place medal bar.

Cheers,

Howard

Hello Laurence,

Nice cross. But not a complete match.

My top loop drops into the frame. A feature normally found on the later '57 issued items.

Here's a better photo of the "800" mark and the top loop.

Thank you,

Howard

Reverse, top of cross. Detail of "800" and loop.

This example does have the case and ribbon.

Thanks in advance,

Howard Kelley

Reverse of cross.

"800" marked.

Cheers,

Howard

Front detail.

If better photos are need, please advise. (Or Different angles, etc.)

My knowledge of RK's is slim to none.

Cheers,

Howard

Hello,

Here's my example.

I've not been able to lock down a maker, since this does not have the die flaws of a "B" type S&L RK.

Can someone please help shed some light?

Cheers,

Howard Kelley