Unknown award of Char. Vizeadmiral Arthur Tapken

[Kriegsmarine Admiral]

What is the 2nd medal around the neck and the Breast Star? I believe they are the same order. 

To me it looks like the Orden der Krone von Italien, Großoffizierskreuz? Can anyone confirm?

Thanks!

[Utgardloki]

I am pretty sure it is the Crown of Italy grand officers cross

[Kriegsmarine Admiral]

39 minutes ago, Utgardloki said:

I am pretty sure it is the Crown of Italy grand officers cross

Thank you!

[1812 Overture]

This is the Italian Crown Order (Grand Officer level)

But I have a question. If EK2 was issued in 1914, then Germany and Italy are belligerents, can they still wear enemy orders?

[Kriegsmarine Admiral]

2 hours ago, 1812 Overture said:

This is the Italian Crown Order (Grand Officer level)

But I have a question. If EK2 was issued in 1914, then Germany and Italy are belligerents, can they still wear enemy orders?

Italy entered the war on 23 May 1915. Tapke could have been awarded the EK2 before that date, and he would still be allowed to wear the Italian Crown Order until 23 May 1915.

[Daniel Krause]

Unlike in WW2, In WW1 it was never forbidden to wear enemies decorations.

Most people did not wear it anymore but some did.

Only thing to remove were the Initials of enemies regents from the shoulder boards of the Chef-regiments.

 

Best,

Daniel

[1812 Overture]

19 hours ago, Daniel Krause said:

Unlike in WW2, In WW1 it was never forbidden to wear enemies decorations.

Most people did not wear it anymore but some did.

Only thing to remove were the Initials of enemies regents from the shoulder boards of the Chef-regiments.

 

Best,

Daniel

Thank you two friends for your answers. I still have questions, can I wear neutral country orders in WW1? For example, Sweden and Denmark did not participate in the war

[Daniel Krause]

Yes. Sweden did even award Orders to Germans in WW1 by the hundreds.

 

Best,

Daniel

[JohanH]

Work is in progress to transcribe the Swedish award rolls. So in the future we will know exactly how many awards were made by Sweden. 

The main problem is lack of time, as always.