Nice Imperial/TR Medal Bar

[Larry Lipps]

Guys, a friend sent me his medal bar to photograph so I thought I'd include a few shots here. While I've never really been an Imperial collector, I have to admit there's nothing in my T.R. inventory as good looking as this. Hope you enjoy it.

[Larry Lipps]

And the reverse,

[Larry Lipps]

Some of the Third Reich decorations,

[Larry Lipps]

The reverse of some of the higher decorations,

[Larry Lipps]

And lastly, the maker's tag,

[derGeneral]

A really great medal bar - thanks vor the pics

[Guest Rick Research]

Some biographical clues about the sadly anonymous original wearer:

1) He does not show up in the Reichsheer having joined 1915+ (so no 25 when awards for Wehrmacht long services stopped in 1939) which means

2) he was a retread (E) officer, with 12-17 years of Imperial service creditted when he came back circa 1935 for his total of 18-24 years by 1939.

3) The Bavarian Military Merit Order 4X was given as an initial award to Lieutenants and Captains, but the Baden Z?hringen Lion-Knight 2nd X was only given to Oberleutnants and Leutnants. With the minimum/maximum years in from 3), I'd say he was an Oberleutnant during the war and went out as a Hauptmann aD, or just made Captain as the war was ending

4) I don't think he was a Bavarian, because with 18 by 1939, he'd have had a Luitpold Army Jubilee Medal then. So probably a Prussian or Badener.

5) He was almost certainly an Oberst during WW2.

So say born 1885-87, joined the army 1905-08, retired 1920, back again 1933-35. Out as an army Captain, back as an air force Major, and ending up as a Colonel probably in Flak.

The Baden Z?hringen Lion rolls have been published, but unfortunately the Bavarian Military Merit Order 4X roll has NOT been published for ranks below Captains. If and when that is ever done, it may be possible to put a name to this bar.

[Larry Lipps]

Rick, as usual, excellent information. It would be nice to someday put a name to the award.

[JensF.]

I LOVE enamel!!!

[Stogieman]

Nice Bar Larry.Unusual and interesting combination!