1866 "Pflichttreue im Kriege" -strange one!

[Motorhead]

This one dropped in today.....Hessental/Schreiber have written there's a variation with the wrong obverse stamp(from the combatant models).So-the reverse should be the same? Have a look at this one-it looks like the reverse stamp is also different.I'm a bit unsure now what to do.....it's definitely not a casted copy nor a galvano.For comparison the "regular" one at the right.

Micha

[Motorhead]

Other side....

[Schießplatzmeister]

Hello Micha:

The cross on the right is an original standard mint-struck non-combatant 1866 campaign cross of course.

The piece on the left looks like an interesting die-variation, that is close to the official version. Perhaps it was a replacement die officially made when the first one broke during stamping. Or, perhaps it is a piece for private purchase. It looks like it is probably a period piece however.

Best regards,

"SPM"

Edited July 16, 2008 by Schie?platzmeister

[Stogieman]

I concur, I've had 2 of the official issues. I see nothing on the left-side piece for alarm.

[Motorhead]

You have noticed the laurel instead of the oakleaf and the different position of the "1866" under the cannon?

[Schießplatzmeister]

Hello Micha:

No, I didn't notice the wreath variation (but it was there for all to see!).

Yes, it is interesting that there is a laurel-wreath instead of an oak-wreath, like the piece on the right. I did notice that the eagle's wings had a different number of feathers, that the crowns were different, the lettering was different, and the indentation to the raised rim on the upper-arm where the suspension loop is soldered on.

I feel confident then that this is not a modern copy as a modern copy would be undoubtedly cast from an original. This was probably a privately-contracted die. It is interesting to note that the suspension loop approximates that of a mint-struck piece in design.

I will have to look at the piece in my collection and my reference literature tonight when I get home.

Simply fascinating!

Thank you for sharing this piece Micha!

"SPM"

[RAO]

Hi Micha,

a truly rare stamp already of Hessenthal and Schreiber described. Congratulations. If you want to sell the times ... o)

Greeting Mike

[Stogieman]

See, just a scarce period variation..... Some things can be faked, some things can be copied. But a really good eye sees quality even when the source is unknown. Period manufacture just shines through sometimes!