Kev in Deva

Hallo Gents, Abbe Pierre, French campaigner for the poor, dies http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22012007/325/abbe...-poor-dies.html "PARIS (Reuters) - Abbe Pierre, a Roman Catholic priest who renounced wealth to campaign for the homeless and became one of France's most revered men, died on Monday aged 94. French leaders hailed the outspoken priest as a tireless anti-poverty crusader and champion for the outcasts of society. President Jacques Chirac said France had lost "an immense figure, a conscience, a man who personified goodness". Abbe Pierre was admitted to a Paris hospital on January 14 suffering from bronchitis. He died at 5.25 a.m. (4:25 p.m. British time) on Monday after failing to recover from the lung infection. The frail priest, who spent most of his life protecting people dumped on the margins of Western life, was little known outside France but was cherished at home as a modern-day saint. "Abbe Pierre represented the spirit of rebellion against misery, suffering, injustice and the strength of solidarity," Chirac's statement said. Born in 1912, Henri-Antoine Groues was the fifth child of a silk merchant but gave up his comfortable life to become a monk. He took his nickname Abbe Pierre -- "abbe" is a traditional title for priests -- as a resistance chaplain during World War Two, when he forged ID papers to smuggle refugees out of France. He began campaigning for the homeless in 1949 and shot to fame in 1954 when he went on air to demand shelter for thousands of people threatened with death during a bitterly cold winter. His appeal set off a wave of sympathy, and his Emmaus chain of hostels for the homeless now covers 41 countries. NATIONAL ICON His militant stance in favour of the poor made him a national icon in his trademark black cape, beret and walking stick, and put him consistently ahead of entertainers and politicians in popularity polls. Last year he came third in a television poll of the "Greatest Frenchman of All Time" behind World War Two leader Charles de Gaulle and the 19th-century scientist, Louis Pasteur. The issue of homelessness returned to the top of the political agenda last month when a pressure group pitched tents for homeless people in Paris to draw attention to their plight. Put on the defensive, the rightist government last week unveiled a bill that will give people a legal right to housing. "(Abbe Pierre's) lifelong battle to help the most deprived sadly remains in the news this winter," said Segolene Royal, Socialist party candidate for the 2007 presidential election. "The homeless should not feel orphaned. Abbe Pierre's long cry of anger should not be extinguished," she told RTL radio. Abbe Pierre was a man of fierce convictions and compared at times to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. But he was not always a model Roman Catholic. In 2005 he shocked the Church by speaking out for married and female priests and admitted to having broken his vows of chastity. - - - END OF ARTICLE. - - - R. I. P Kevin in Deva.

Well they are nice, but so is this one, offered by the same dealer: http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-Cuba-Interallied-...tem260077564061 But as usual they go for a nice sum Kevin in Deva destitute and broke after Christmas

Another Pearl cast before swine! http://cgi.ebay.at/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIt...DME:B:FSEL:AT:1 currently at; 81.00 Euro, dont ya just lurv the itty bitty swords as well. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, this is with regards a V1 hit on London, here is a scan of a picture I took while wandering around London a few years ago. It reads: "IN MEMORY OF THE 74 AMERICAN MILITARY PERSONNEL OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND THREE CIVILIANS WHO WERE KILLED ON THE 3Rd OF JULY 1944. BY A V1 FLYING BOMB IN SLOANE COURT / EAST TURKS ROW. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM." I also wandered around Romford a few times visiting friends but never realised it took so many hits Kevin in Deva.

Hallo CalH, strange as it may sound, the idea of mutiny probably never occured to them at the time, most of the troops (including the Irish) were volunteers and were prepaired to see it through to the bitter end. Also the fact that although there were horrendous losses on the ground that first day the enormity of the casualties would not have been known or comprehended by the shell-shocked tommies of the front line, for them they seldom knew what the big picture was, their world was to their immediate front, the flanks and the rear. British Arty took out as many Scots, Welch, and English soldiers as the Irish, the shells were not selective upon whom they fell. It has only been years after the event all the figures have been collected and put into print that we fully understand the futile loss or heroic glory of their sacrifice, depending from ones point of view. Kevin in Deva,

Hallo armybrat43, Firstly, I did not say you were out to trick anybody, your words were "The book clearly shows this armband as a SS armband." whereas the use of one word would have made a clearer statement to me, as in "The book clearly shows this type of armband as a SS armband." I was making a comment to show that your type of armband did not fit the late war types. I was also making a comment with regards the stampimg to show that in none of my books any mention of a stamping occured. I also refered to it as a late war armband (as I was not sure if there ever there was such a SS type like this made). Also a point to note, would be the distance between the top of the circle and the top line and the distance from the bottom of the circle to the bottom line!! These were my comments and opinions and I was not putting words in your mouth. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Armybrat43 I think when making a quote from a book you need to include all the information and not just selected pieces, The book by Mr. Lumsden shows on the top left of page 123, a picture of two armbands (Plate180) similar in design to yours, the following description is given: Plate 180 SS Armbands: original (above) and fake (below). The original is of heavy multi-piece construction, with a silken tape swastika and borders and silk central disc sewn onto a strong unbacked wollen cloth base. The swastika alone comprises six seperate parts. (Clearly not the same as the picture from Armybrat 43). The reproduction has the swastika and disc embroided as a single piece, witha 4mm wide border of synthetic thread. The band itself is of felt, 3mm thick, backed with a heavy modern paper fibre. Note that the disc has not been properly attached to the band, making the swastika appear to squint. (Again clearly not the same as the picture from Armybrat 43). So information from page 123 bears no relation to Armybrat43 armband. The book states on page 125: "Armband colours, sizes and lettering styles differed considerably. The best examples were of multi-piece construction, with silken tape and/or bullion thread sewn on to a heavy wollen cloth or lightweight linen base to form the appropriate design. Others were hand-embroided in bullion thread on wool, machine-embroided in cotton thread on wool, cotton or linen, or machine woven in cotton and / or silk threads. Bears no resemblence to the one in this post. Silk screen printing on cotton was widely used in the production of standard NSDAP swastika armbands and regulation Volksturm examples. By the end of the war make shift emergency armbands were being hand stencilled in paint or waterproof ink on any scrap of material available. To me standard NSDAP swastika armband is not the same as a SS type, they were always known to appreciate quality even late in the war. The faking of armbands has been restricted to the swastika armband and its derivatives, which are constantly in great demand. Fake bands are commonly in thick felt, either unbacked or backed with a modern heavy red paper fibre. The swastika and disc are typically machine-embroided as a single piece, witha wide border of synthetic thread. Printed reproductions also circulate on canvas rather than the correct wool cotton or linen." Again the book by Mr. Lumsden makes no indication to any type stamping on the armbands, stamps have been faked as much as anything else iii reich. Please can you post a close up of the stamp? I have glanced through the books "Badges and Insignia of the THIRD REICH 1933-1945" by Brian L. Davis ISBN1-85409-512-9 And "UNIFORMS OF THE SS, collected Edition Volumes 1-6" by Andrew Mollo and Hugh Page Taylor ISBN 1-85915-048-9 and can find no reference to any economy, late war armbands for the SS. Hopefully some of the more knowledgeable members will jump in here as well to identify just what you have, but for the moment I am scepticle about its authenticity. Kevin in Deva.

A "Long Life" to those that remain, and may their former deceased comrades "Rest in Peace." Salut Kevin in Deva

Tim thanks for the info, even to my un-knowing eye the quality is poorer than the GODET button thankfully while it remains that way they will be easier to spot. Can't say I feel sorry for the people who are too lazy to join a good forum and research the items before parting with their cash Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Gents just been sold for 869 usa dollars. kernstahlhelm( 629) Seller description: Up for auction here is a German World War I Blue Max Pour Le Merite Lapel War Decoration. This piece measures 3/4 inch in diameter, and is light blue double sided enamel. The front reads: "Pour le Me' rite" The top arm has an "F" with a crown above. The button hole device measures 5/8 inch in diameter and is marked " *J. Godet & Sohn * Berlin". Includes the black and gray ribbon, that measures 7/8 inch by 1.5 inches. A lapel decoration was worn on the walking out dress uniform. This piece is in EXCELLENT condition. Dont ya just luv the ticky-tacky-tiny pictures Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Gentlemen just as a matter of interest, are the figures for the strength of the German Tank Units known, and if so does the Unit history relate how many tanks and crews served in them in the combat zones. And am I right in presuming the tank insignia was only supposed to be awarded to officers and men who saw actual combat?? Please excuse my ignorance on this subject Kevin in Deva.

Ah! I see a tasteful collection developing, better not to break the law old bean, but you need more Romanian items though K. I. D. P.S. in reality the S.V.A. was just a way for the authorities to hound ordinary, harmless militaria collectors, (like Rick,) and take the heat of certain politicians whose own medals awards and military service have been called into question Kevin in Deva

The rear, Two ideas of what it is, a very early Romanian Military Shooting Medal. or A very early Romanian shooting / hunting prize, have not been able to pin it down as of yet! Kevin in Deva.

This little birdy is in my collection It is 20mm in size, silver on a chain, with a hallmark / maker mark of two tiny fish standing on their tails. Kevin in Deva.

The rear of the badges, Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gentlemen Another recent find here in Romania, a set of Romanian Communication Specialist Grade Badges, Width: 35mm Height: 29mm Fixing: Screwback, which varies in size, no maker marks. Again the small Romanian Communist insignia has been brazed onto the upper part of the badge, all of the badge is in enamel. Numbered from 1 - 2 - 3, the number "1" being the most profficiant. The higher grade also brought a higher pay. The people who would have wore these were radio communications operators including those who worked with the Airforce Radar systems. Troops in this field would, after intial recruit training, have been further trained in this specialist field and would have had to sit examinations to determine their profficency, the badges were worn by communications personel in all branches of the service. Kevin in Deva.

The rear of the badge. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gentlemen recent find here in Romania of a Communist era "TRAGATOR DE ELITA" Badge. Measures: 37mm across and 52mm in height. Pin & broach suspension. Weight: 16 gram. Front depicts: On the top a small coloured Romanian Communist Insignia. Under this a Green Target Shape, crossed Kalashnikov & R.P.G. Launcher. under this the words "TRAGATOR DE ELITA" / ELITE MARKSMAN. The small insignia has been brased onto the upper part of the badge, the the lowere area has been filled in with a painted or plastic clours in Gilt, and Green, and then covered in a clear plastic. To the rear is then a broach pin and clasp for fixing, no apparant maker mark. Awarded for supierior marksman skills with AK & RPG (?) Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gordon With regards the bird symbol on the Hungarian badge it can be found on some WW1 era patriotika stuff as well. I believe the bird is a depiction of the mythical Hungarian Turul: In the legends Turul is mentioned at least twice to shape the fate of the Hungarians: the first time Emese, mother of ?lmos had a dream where a Turul appeared, impregnated her and told her that her child was going to be the father of a great nation. The second time, the leader of the Hungarian tribes had a dream where eagles attacked their horses and a Turul came and saved them, to symbolise that they have to move, and when they did, the Turul helped them to show the way, basically helping them to find the land of Hungary. There were three Turul statues in Greater Hungary (before the country had its borders reconfigured by the treaty of Trianon): one still visible on the mountain next to Tatab?nya, Hungary. It is said to be the largest bird statue in Europe; the wingspan of the Turul is almost 15 meters. Kevin in Deva

Just maybe they think it looked better this way. By the way Chris, what will the wife think, if you ever arrive home with the Russian version on wheels?? "No, your not putting that bloody contraption in my front room. . . . . Kevin in Deva

Postcard of the more normal German one's in use far from the front lines. Crop of the shields, one guy appears to be wearing headphones. Kevin in Deva

Hi Chris, Maybe this one was to be pushed by assault troops as they peppered the enemy. I believe its a Russian one thats standin still at the time of the picture. Kevin in Deva

But then the question remains who invented Al Gore!!!! Kevin A. Ryan

Err. . . . . for those of us many miles away from Channel 5, could you tell us more about this?? Kevin in Deva, Transylvania

Hi Luftmensch with regards your post: and all this is 1. I am not a Transylvanian, only a blow-in from Ireland, my wife is a local Transylvanian lass. 2. The Castle of BRAN, is not technicaly in Transylvania, but located near Brasov, in the centre of the country but still in the mountains. 3. From a Romanian online Publication: "NINE O'CLOCK NEWS". by by Ion Slavescu published in issue 3848 page 5 at 2007-01-12 New hypothesis regarding Bran Castle?s rightful owner. The return of the Bran Castle to the Habsburgs was illegal, as the real owner of the castle is an Orthodox monastery from Pennsylvania, real estate consultant Arthur Silvestri said during a TV show. Bran Castle, which was built in 1378, was donated to Queen Maria by the people of Brasov in 1920, the analyst told Realitatea TV. Being a donation, the castle had to remain in the property of Queen Maria and the royal family only while the queen was alive, according to legal specialists. Thus, after her death, the castle had to return to the Brasov community and could not be claimed by anybody. However, the castle was inherited by Princess Ileana after Maria?s death. Ileana, the mother of current heir Dominic of Habsburg, joined an Orthodox monastery in Pennsylvania and, according to the rules of the order, all the goods of a person who joins the order go into the monastery?s property, unless the person in question specifically leaves the goods in question to a third party, Silvestri explained. As Princess Ileana did not do this, the castle rightfully belongs to the monastery and the Orthodox Archbishopric of the United States, he said. Later yesterday, the royal family said in a press release that Princess Ileana, in her will, left all her belongings to her family. Bran, which is also known as Dracula?s Castle and is currently a museum, attracting thousands of visitors every year, was given back to the Habsburgs seven months ago. Recently, Dominic of Habsburg offered to sell the castle to the Brasov County Council for EUR 60 Million. He also said that the castle would remain a museum for three more years, after which only ?the future will decide? its fate. The head of the Brasov County Council, Aristotel Cancescu, who announced that he was made an offer to buy the castle, refused to give more details, saying only that he was studying the issue with the council?s legal specialists. He also said that the offer had to be taken seriously because the Bran Castle is one of the county?s most important tourism objectives. However, Minister of Culture Adrian Iorgulescu rejected the offer, saying the amount requested by the royal heir is too big. Before the return of the castle to the Habsburgs, the Culture Ministry evaluated the castle at about EUR 25 M. According to legal experts, the offer should have been first sent to the Culture Ministry, under current legal provisions. The fact that the offer was sent to Cancescu, who announced that he was considering it, made it impossible for the ministry to reject or even negotiate the amount, parts of the media suggested. According to Silvestri, it is very hard to do a real estate assessment of the castle, because there are no terms for a comparison. Cancescu shares the same opinion. The head of the Brasov County Council announced that he is planning to contract an international team of experts to assess the value of the property. He also said he was going to ask for a loan from an Austrian bank to buy the castle. Yesterday, Cancescu told Rompres news agency that representatives of the Austrian bank will come to Brasov next week to negotiate the loan. If the castle is sold for the amount requested by the Habsburgs, it would become the most expensive castle in the world, according to Hotnews. The most expensive castle sold until now is an Italian castle, twice as big as Bran, who was sold for EUR 23 M. END OF ARTICLE:- - - - - - I think if they get 60 Million for it, then who ever buys it will be looking for another 60 million for repairs and renovations of the EU Heritage Fund Kevin in Deva