I think I've heard you like bars... (solved: Oberstleutnant Christian Gockel)

[saschaw]

Something else to add: According to the Hof- und Staatshandbuch 1893, p. 168, Gockel didn't receive his BZ3aX until 1874 - which was, much to my surprise, nothing unusual! I didn't count them, but we have to assume a major part of the "1870/71" awards wasn't even made until mid-1870s! We might keep that in mind if we should ever have to identify early 1870s portraits or bars with seemingly "lacking" awards.

 

 

It's also noteworthy he received his additional BZ3aE  in 1888. The Staats-Anzeiger 1888, p. 187, mentions he got oaks (E) to a peace time BZ3a, but so far, I couldn't find when he was awarded the cross itself, and cannot exclude a mistake. However, I don't have all issues of mentioned Staats-Anzeiger...

 

 

In accordance to the 1879 statutes, a peace time award would not replace a lower grade with swords. It's not on "our" ribbon bar, however, because this one apparently pre-dates this date. Under the older statutes from 1866, when swords (and swords on ring) were instituted, things were quite different. I found someone who received an BZ2bX for his BZ3aXE for his BZ3a... in case I didn't miss one!

 

 

Edited May 21, 2023 by saschaw