04-464 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 93 - ANHALT. Here is a very fine example of an officer’s pickelhaube from Anhaltisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 93. This was the sole regiment from the Duchy of Anhalt. The regiment was raised in 1807. Battalions Nr 1 and Nr 3 were garrisoned at Dessau. Battalion Nr 2 was garrisoned at Zerbst. The regiment was assigned to the IV. Armeekorps. The helmet’s leather body is in very pleasing condition, with some light spidering. Some minor shrinkage shows to the front and rear visors, which is common. All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt toned, with the exception of the attached, silver, crowned sunburst. The sunburst also boasts the cypher "A" for Anhalt. Both the Anhalt state kokarde and the reich’s kokarde are present, and in excellent condition. All of the furniture is handsome and top-grade. Inside the helmet is a fine leather sweatband in prime condition. The silk liner shows only a spot or two of the runs that often occur in aging silk. Under the liner, 100% of the original hardware is present, with no double holes. This helmet dates from the period of 1900 to 1910. This is a totally original helmet in very fine condition and is correct for only ONE regiment in the German Army. Need I say more? $6,995.00  Reduced to $6,150.00!!

 

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04-544 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - 1. BADISCHES-LEIB-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 109 - BADEN. In the German Army, a few key infantry regiments were considered the best of the best. All of these regiments were famous for their participation in many battles, and for being the best from their respective kingdoms, grand duchies, and duchies. They included: Prussia’s 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß and Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1, Braunschweig’s Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 92, Saxony’s Königl. Sächs. 1. (Leib) Grenadier-Regiment Nr 100, Hesse-Darmstadt’s Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment (1. Großherzogl. Hessisches) Nr 115, Württemberg’s Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr 119, Bavaria’s Infanterie-Leib-Regiment, and Baden’s 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. This final regiment was the Grand Duchy of Baden’s premiere infantry regiment. The regiment was formed in 1803. It was garrisoned at Karlsruhe, where it was a part of the XIV. ArmeeKorps. You will note the regiment held "Leib" status, which was similar to "Garde" status. They were part of their ruler’s personal bodyguard. (Personally, ALL of these regiments are among my favorites). Our offering today is an officer’s pickelhaube from 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. Over the years I have offered an officer’s helmet from every regiment listed above, EXCEPT for 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. Today I finally "complete" the group, and quite handsomely, at that. Any helmet from the group above is captivating and distinctive. The Baden pickelhaube is no exception. It offers a silver wappen. All of the furniture, with the exception of the chin scales and officer stars, is also silver. The wappen’s griffin boasts a gorgeous, red enamel cross set against a silver sunburst on its chest. I have seen other examples of the helmet where the cross was bigger, and even protruded more from the griffin’s chest. [I am going to speculate that the helmet belonged to a junior officer within the regiment, rather than a battalion commander, regimental staffer, or the regimental commander, himself. It is pure speculation on my part. Somehow I cannot envision a young German leutnant showing up with a fancier rig than his superiors unless he was of the nobility]! The helmet’s leather body is quite pleasing. The Baden officer’s state kokarde is in place, as is the reich’s kokarde. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used leather sweatband. The silk liner is creme-colored. It shows some "running/shredding" which, while visible, is not heavy. This is quite common in silk liners. It is rather like a "run" in a silk stocking. Once it starts it is very prone to spreading. It shows that the helmet was worn. Under the liner all of the original hardware is visible, with no double holes where the wappen is attached to the leather body. This is a very attractive helmet. Included with the helmet is a storage case. The interior straps to hold the helmet in place are present but on the exterior of the case one of the fittings is missing and there is no place to secure the strap. We are extremely pleased to share this helmet with you. $12,995.00 Reduced to $11,495.00!

 

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04-535 PICKELHAUBE - ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT - BAVARIA. As I have shared with you in the past, a One-Year-Volunteer’s (OYV) uniform and headdress are often one of military collectibles’ biggest values. One-Year-Volunteer’s came from financially well set families. These young men entered their military service under a different program from the regular two-year-conscript who entered the army as an Enlisted Man. The OYV’s enlistment was for one year. Once they had completed their service, however, they often were promoted to officer status in the reserves. Men who served as OYV’s did so while paying all of their own expenses. This included supplying all of their uniforms and personal gear. As a result, the men were allowed more latitude in their dress items. They often wore items that were officer’s quality, especially when it came to pickelhauben. The differences were subtle, but with some minor exceptions qualified as officer’s level. This is why the pickelhaube we are offering today is a real value. It is common to see an OYV pickelhaube cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars less than an officer’s helmet from the same regiment. Today we are offering a very fine example of a Bavarian Infantry Regiment’s One-Year-Volunteer’s pickelhaube. Its leather body is in very fine condition. It is supple, clean, and quite appealing. All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt of the highest quality. The chin scales are of the flat variety. All of it is definitely officer’s quality. It features an officer’s style wappen with a voided crown. An NCO’s state and reich’s kokarden are in place. The helmet does not display officer’s stars at the top. Instead it boasts an NCO/enlisted man’s lugs. The spike is not detachable, but is taller as would be an officer’s. The rear gilt spine is also officer’s style. Inside the helmet, it is pure officer’s style, with a leather sweatband and a silk liner. Under the liner is 100% original hardware. The wappen is mounted officer’s style, with screws and washers rather than a small bit of leather holding it in place. The latter is more commonly seen in depot-issued, NCO/enlisted man’s helmets. No double holes where the wappen is mounted. This is a delightful helmet that would make a worth addition to any collection. $3,695.00 Reduced to $3,250.00!!

 

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04-551 OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE - PARADE BUSH - CHEVAULEGERS-REGIMENT Nr’s 1, 3, 5, and 7 - BAVARIA. During our October trip to Germany we acquired a beautiful pair of pickelhauben, complete with their parade bushes. EIGHT Chevaulegers-Regiments were in the Bavarian Army. (During the Imperial Period, only Bavaria fielded this type of cavalry regiment). Within the eight regiments, four featured silver wappens and furniture on their pickelhauben, while the other four displayed gold-toned trappings. The first helmet we are offering belongs to the group featuring gold-toned wappens and furniture. The four regiments belonging to the group are the 1. Chevaulegers-Regiment Kaiser Nikolaus von Rußland, 3. Chevaulegers-Regiment Herzog Karl Theodor, 5. Chevaulegers-Regiment Erzherzog Friedrich von Österreich, and 7. Chevaulegers-Regiment Prinz Alfons (our old friend!). The helmet sports a fine leather body, with a squared front visor. All its furniture is gilt, including the chin scales, wappen, cruciform, trichter, etc. The officer’s state and reich’s kokarden are in place. As previously noted, the trichter is gilt-toned. It is fluted, as well. Attached to the trichter is one of the fullest, most-beautiful, white horsehair bushes you will ever see. It is in MINT condition. It stands out, full and bushy, when in place over the helmet. Someone has taken wonderful care of the helmet. It shows in the way the bush was curry combed to keep it fresh and beautiful. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used leather sweatband and a fine, green silk liner. Underneath the silk liner all of the original hardware is in place. No double holes are visible. The name, "Lt. Huber," is penciled in. It is a remarkable helmet in every way. $6,995.00 Reduced to $6,150.00!!

 

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04-540 RESERVE INFANTERIE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 55 - PRUSSIA/LIPPE-DETMOLD. Today we offer a Principality of Lippe-Detmold’s Reserve Infantry Officer’s Pickelhaube. This small state fielded one battalion (Nr 3) in Infanterie-Regiment Graf Bülow von Dennewitz (6. Westfälisches) Nr 55. The regiment was raised in 1860. Battalion Nr 3 was based in Detmold, Battalion Nr 1 was stationed in Höxter, and Battalion Nr 2 was housed in Bielefeld. The regiment was a part of the VII. ArmeeKorps. The "Lippische Füsilier Battalion" has an intriguing history within the regiment. It (the battalion) was not founded until 1867! During the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, smaller states such as Lippe-Detmold combined their armies (often similarly battalion-sized) with Prussia’s. The smaller state retained a bit of its previous distinction, but usually was led by Prussians. The smaller state’s forces became allied with the requisite number of Prussian battalions needed to complete a regiment. Thus, with Infanterie-Regiment Nr 55, TWO Prussian battalions were required to bring it to full strength. Only Battalion Nr 3's officers and men were permitted to wear Lippe-Detmold’s state kokarde. The other two battalions were Prussian, so essentially the regiment was Prussian-led. I have often shared with you that militaria from this period was not "cookie cutter" in manufacture and design, and what certain officers did. It is certainly true with this helmet. It has tons of character and is quite distinctive. First, it actually sports an earlier leather body. The body dates to circa 1880. It is a slightly different shape from the final evolution of M-1897 Pickelhaube. It is not quite as different as the helmets from the 1860's and 1870's. Still, it definitely has a different shape and a longer rear visor. The helmet’s leather is in very fine condition. It is quite smooth and supple. All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt-toned, with the exception of the Reserve Officer’s Cross. The wappen’s patina and toning are particularly pleasing. As it is a Reserve Officer’s helmet, the motto "Mit Gott Für König und Vaterland" does not actually appear on the wappen. Instead, on the silver toned cross the motto "Mit Gott Für Fürst (Prince) und Fatherland" appears. This is a small tip off that it is not a Prussian helmet (a small detail, but critical to the helmet’s correctness). The spike does not detach. It is fairly short. Taller spikes came into style mainly after 1897. Again, a certain flexibility allowed the individual officer to do this. The helmet’s left side displays Lippe-Detmold’s kokarde. On the right is one for Prussia. This is another indication that the helmet had been updated for use after 1897, when state and reich’s kokarden came into use. Please note the leather body again. Do you see anything different? Look at the squared front visor, which is usually seen on a Dragoner’s helmet. It is also correct for earlier infantry helmets. It is another of the features transformed during the pickelhauben changes of the 1890's. Most infantry helmets (except for Bavarian and Württemberg’s which remained squared) are rounded. I told you this helmet was different! The interior does NOT have a silk liner. It was very common in earlier helmets. The leather liner with tongues (as used by enlisted men as long as pickelhauben existed) was used even on an officer’s helmet such as this. Clearly this was one aspect of the helmet that the owner did not feel a need to update. All of the tongues are present on the liner. The sizing cord, which was hooked from tongue to tongue, is not. The original hardware is in place. No double holes show where the wappen is attached. The wappen definitely is original to the helmet. The helmet is in fantastic original condition. It tells an interesting story of a small state that was very proud of its military history, even as it was incorporated into the larger German Army. $5,195.00 Reduced to $4,575.00!

 

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04-558 GENERAL’S PICKELHAUBE - PARADE FEATHERS - SPIKE - STORAGE BOX - PRUSSIA. Prussian generals’ headdresses are among collectors’ most prized items. We have been fortunate in the past to offer you Generals’ Pickelhauben from Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, Württemberg, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Today we are offering you an engrossing, complete Prussian General’s Pickelhaube. It comes with the dienst (daily service) spike, parade feathers and trichter, as well as a regular pickelhaube storage box. The helmet’s leather body is in good, original condition. It is well-shaped. The helmet’s exterior is problem-free, although it has some marks and impressions in certain areas. (We will share these in our photographs). The helmet’s visor is squared rather than rounded, as is correct for a general’s helmet. All of the furniture is gilt, including the wappen, spike, chin scales, etc. A massive Garde Star protrudes from the wappen like a beacon. The enamel work on the Garde Star and its Black Eagle is superb. It is worth noting that the helmet’s spike is fluted, which is correct for a general. The officer’s reich and state’s kokarden are present and quite attractive. A parade trichter with black and white feathers is part of the set. The trichter is also gilt-toned and fluted. The feathers exhibit significant age, but all are present. They still make the helmet very attractive. Inside the helmet is a sweatband in winning condition. Its silk liner is complete and problem-free, with the exception of some sweat stains (perhaps it’s from hair tonic). Under the silk liner we see all of the original hardware. We also see the size, “59," written-in. This is a rather large size, one of the largest I have offered. [Size “55" appears to be the average size. Some of the smaller sizes are “53-54,” while the larger sizes are “56-57.” Anything “58" or over is a VERY large helmet. This is a most attractive set. We are happy to include a storage case to help you protect your helmet or to use during display. $12,995.00 Reduced to $11,450.00!!

 

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04-508 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - 5. GARDE-REGIMENT zu FUß - STORAGE CASE AND PICKELHAUBE COVER - PRUSSIA. This is an ultra-high-grade officer’s pickelhaube from the 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. The regiment was founded in 1897. Please note that the regiment only existed for twenty-one years before it was disbanded at WW I’s end. Therefore, only a relatively small number of officers ever served in it. It was garrisoned in Spandau, where it was a part of the Garde-Korps. The Garde-Grenadier-Regiments and Garde-Fuß-Regiments totaled eleven in all. This particular regiment was one of the final two (infantry) Garde-Regiments formed. The helmet is quite hard-to-find for a number of reasons. First, six of the eleven regiments are Garde-Fuß-Regiments, and five are Garde-Grenadier-Regiments. Of the six Fuß-Regiments, three display silver furniture on their pickelhauben. Among those three is the 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. [As a point of reference, the 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß (the most elite Prussian infantry regiment) also exhibits silver furniture on its pickelhauben]. NONE of the Garde-Grenadier-Regiments have silver furniture. The helmet has a fine leather body. Some cracking appears on the helmet’s left side, which we will detail in the accompanying photographs. As previously stated, all the furniture is silver, except for the officer’s stars, which are gold. The silver furniture includes the chin scales, wappen, spike (which is extra tall), and trim. The wappen is magnificent. The Garde Star on the eagle’s chest is very attractive. The black eagle in its center is particularly noteworthy. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used, leather sweatband. A very high caliber tan/beige silk liner is also attached. All of the original hardware is intact under the liner. A storage case is included with the pickelhaube, as is a canvas pickelhaube cover for foul weather. The storage case is unusual in its design. It sports metal clips on its sides rather than the more common leather straps. It is a topnotch case, in fine condition. The canvas cover also is in excellent condition. All in all, it is a superb set from an elite German Army regiment. $6,495.00  Reduced to $5,695.00!!

 

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20-225 AUSTRIAN GENERAL’S FORE/AFT CAP - CARTRIDGE BOX - SASH BELT - DELUXE STORAGE BOX - HERZOG ROBERT - WÜRTTEMBERG. This week we are offering one of the most impressive headdress items we ever have acquired. It is a bit different from what we have offered in the past. As we discuss its virtues, we believe you will see why we were so drawn to it. Our offering today is a most unusual and beautiful set of items, which once belonged to Herzog (Duke) Robert of Württemberg (1873–1947).Robert was Herzog (and Generalfeldmarschall) Albrecht of Württemberg’s younger brother. [Albrecht was a VERY able troop commander, one of three German royal generalfeldmarschalls commanding large numbers of troops in the field]. When Robert and Albrecht’s father died in 1917 (he had been the heir apparent to the Württemberg throne) Albrecht became Württemberg’s Crown Prince. Four years later in 1921, when Württemberg’s König Wilhelm II died, Albrecht became the Pretender to the Württemberg throne. Following Albrecht’s death in 1939, Robert was the Pretender until his death in 1947 (at the age of seventy-four). In 1900, Robert had married Maria Imaculada Erzherzogin von Österreich in Vienna. They had no children during their marriage. Robert first entered the army as a Sekoneleutnant à la Suite in 1891, when he was assigned to Ulanen-Regiment König Karl (1. Württembergisches) Nr 19. In 1900, he was promoted to Rittmeister in Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Württembergisches) Nr 26. In 1905, he was promoted to Major and Eskadronchef (Squadron Chief) on 2. Pommersches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 9's staff. He was promoted to Generalmajor à la Suite of Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Württembergisches) Nr 26 and 2. Pommersches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 9 in 1913. During WW I, he served as Kommandeur of 26 (1. Kgl. Württembergisches) Kavallerie Brigade. In the latter role he commanded four Württemberg cavalry regiments, and served as a generalmajor. In retirement, he was elevated to the position of Generalleutnant a.D. in the German Army.

HOWEVER. . .

He had an equivalent position (Feldmarschallleutnant) in the Austrian Army due to Austria’s longstanding ties with his native Württemberg AND his marriage to an Austrian royal. Austria’s Kaiser Karl promoted him to this rank early in 1918. The rank had been used by Prussia until early in the 19^th Century. They dropped it during the Napoleonic Wars. Austria continued its use until Kaiser Karl abdicated his throne in 1918, following WWI’s end. In many cases, a Feldmarschallleutnant was a division commander or staff officer. It was the 4^th highest level for a general officer in the Austrian Army.

Austrian General’s Fore & Aft Cap

This sets the stage for the first piece from Württemberg’s Herzog Robert’s stunning group. It is an Austrian General’s Fore and Aft Cap. In the German Navy, such a cap is called a Zweispitz (Two Peaks). The cap is fur-covered (black) with embroidered gold bullion lavishly applied over much of its surface from tip to tip. A strip of the embroidered bullion comes over from the opposite side and boasts a fine, gilt-toned button on its left side. The button has black thread wrapped around it, and serves as a stabilization device to hold the general’s plume snugly atop the cap. (It is a very clever device). Each end of the zweispitz sports a large circular embroidered bullion device, with five levels of braided rope bullion elevating upward. The device’s center features a "K" for Kaiser Karl, who assumed the Austrian throne after Kaiser Franz Josef’s death in 1916. Inside the fore and aft is a superb white leather sweatband and a white silk liner. Both are certain indications of royalty. Embossed on the white silk liner is a crowned "R." I have saved the best for last with this magnificent headdress. A staggeringly glorious cascade of green feathers flows down from the zweispitz’s top to cover the cap in its entirety. I have had a miniature zweispitz for years. I had no idea that it would be as striking as it is on a full-sized example. As a matter of fact, the person who buys the full-sized example will receive the miniature with our compliments! The condition of this spectacular general’s for and aft is very near mint. I would like to share one final detail of the cap with you. A silk device accompanies the cap. It is stretched over the cap’s two ends to protect the magnificent gold bullion of the Kaiser Karl device. Somebody went the extra mile to protect this item of royal headdress. Please have a look at it in the accompanying photographs. The fore and aft cap was probably NOT used very often by Herzog Robert. It has been housed in its case for decades just waiting for YOU!

Austrian Officer’s Belt/Sash

This is an Austrian Officer sash/belt. It would havee been suitable for a blue or Feldgrau uniform.  While I am quite used to seeing Prussia’s various belts and sashes, this example blows away its German counterparts. It is far more ornate and detailed, which sparked my initial presumption that it was intended for a general officer rather than one of lower rank. The belt is made of an extremely heavy, pliable silk or silk blend. Its color is a rich, dark yellow. The fabric is originally 2 5/8" wide, and its entire length is decorated with four parallel rows of embroidered black hash marks. To create the belt, the fabric has been folded in half, leaving a double row of the black marks on either side. Its brass sizing buckle is decorated with a gold-toned, crowned, double-headed Austrian Eagle and Kaiser Franz Josef’s cypher. Hanging down from the belt’s end are two large tassels that I often compare to"oversized portopees." Each measures 11 1/2" in length from their attachment point to the very bottom. At the top in high-relief yellow bullion we again see Franz Josef’s cypher. The opposite side sports another two-headed Austrian Eagle, this time in high-relief. Below that are the black and yellow thread ringlets that make up the tassel’s body. The condition of this belt/sash is excellent plus. Its overall appearance is incredibly sumptuous and gloriously Imperial.

Austrian Officer Cartridge Box

This is a very handsome cartridge box, appropriate for an officer. It is ornately detailed and measures 6" x 4." The front cover displays a lovely mirrored finish, enhanced by its curved brass frame. The cover’s center is adorned with a magnificent, brass, double-headed Austrian Eagle, measuring 2 3/4" x 3." The sides of the box that flank the lid appear to be made of silver. They certainly look like silver. On those two sides we see an ornate montage of swords, horns, cannons, and cannon balls. The box’s reverse and its bottom are covered by luxurious, hand tooled, red Moroccan leather. Opening the cartridge box, we see the red Moroccan leather continues on the inside surfaces. All of the exterior attachments and tabs are present. The cartridge box has seen little or no use, which is consistent with the other ensemble pieces. This is a delightful and beautifully crafted piece, in top condition.

Deluxe Storage Case for all items

The final part of this presentation is the storage case that has housed all of these items for some ninety years. I have NEVER seen a case quite like this. I have seen special storage cases for general’s helmets and accouterments from Imperial Germany, but never one so large and extensive as this. It was intended to house many pieces of regalia that Duke Robert of Württemberg may have once owned and worn on the few occasions when he was garbed as an Austrian general. The case’s interior had plenty of space to house much more than the three items we described above.
The case’s shape basically conforms to what would be required to hold the fore and aft cap. The case measures 14" x 9 1/2" x 11 1/2."  When fully loaded, the case weighs 10 lbs., and10 ounces. The case’s exterior is covered with a beige canvas-like material. It features many straps and buckles (all of which are present) and a central lock. I am very pleased to say that the key for this lock hangs on a string right beside the lock. Too often the key is the first thing to disappear. This time, however, it is safe with the case. The case opens in a most interesting manner. The entire front folds down. This allows access to the compartment where the fore and aft cap is housed. When folded down, the lid has three horizontal storage areas and two vertical. One can only imagine what else may have been stored in the case at some point, aside from the fore and aft cap, the sash/belt, and the cartridge box. I would certainly not be surprised if his shoulder boards and/or epaulettes were stored in it. The case’s lining is a very handsome red silk. The cas e in itself is a major prize. I have spent time fiddling with it and admiring the ingenuity of the manufacturer. Somebody clearly took time designing this case before they lifted the first tool to actually make it! In conclusion we are very pleased to offer this very rare grouping of items to you today. When it was first shown to me, I was entranced just by the storage case. I had to hold my breath when the case was opened and its contents revealed. Items from Germany’s royalty are never easy to acquire. Do not forget the complimentary miniature general’s fore and aft cap that we will include with the grouping for your further enjoyment. Although it is not original to the group, it will add a little zest to your enjoyment. This was a real "catch" for us. We hope that you enjoy looking at it as much as we have had presenting it to you. $9,995.00 Reduced to $8,795.00!!

 

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04-476 ENLISTED MAN WAPPEN - REGIMENT der GARDE du CORPS OR GARDE-KÜRAßIER-REGIMENT. This is a complete enlisted man’s wappen from the Regiment Garde du Corps or the Garde-Küraßier-Regiment. These were two of the German Army’s most elite cavalry regiments. They were the only two military units to wear the Küraßier-style helmet WITH its elaborate dress-parade-eagle. The wappen is in excellent condition, complete with a hand painted eagle in its center. Both posts and screws appear on the reverse to attach the wappen to a helmet. The posts have been soldered (repaired) to the wappen, from which they had either broken-off or become loose. The wappen’s center also shows signs of soldering on its reverse beneath the eagle. This wappen could be an upgrade for a GdC helmet with a poor or damaged wappen. For you wappen collectors, this is a key find to for your collection. $995.00  Reduced to $875.00!!

 

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04-560 DELUXE PICKELHAUBE STORAGE BOX. A pickelhauben storage box was a very important officer’s accessory. It helped to protect and preserve his pickelhaube when it was not in use, and to safely transport it when the officer was on the move. Most were conical-shaped and housed the helmet only. Depending on the officer’s personal needs, it could sport some interesting variations. For example, some boxes housed not only a pickelhaube, but a visor cap, as well. [An example of such a box is shown below]. Today we are offering an example that I have not seen before. To begin with, the box is cylindrical. It measures 15” tall, and measures 12” in diameter at both the top and bottom. A series of buckles and straps hold the top cover in place when the box and contents are transported. A paper tag is on the handle at the top. As we remove the top lid, we see where the pickelhaube could slide in and over a fitted area. It is here that the box gets very clever. The pedestal’s top lifts off, revealing another pedestal within where an epaulette could rest. Around the inner storage space an officer could have placed personal items such as a parade belt, parade sash, etc. This container for the pickelhaube (and its inner storage area) lifts out of the box, revealing yet ANOTHER area for storing the other epaulette and space for more items such as belts, spurs, etc. If you own a special pickelhaube, here is a wonderful way to display it, or as a part of a display with officer’s personal items. As my wife Melissa would say it is “too cool for school!” $1,195.00 Reduced to $1,050.00!!

 

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34-62 DELUXE OFFICER STORAGE CASE FOR PICKELHAUBE AND VISOR CAP. On a recent trip to Germany I came across a wonderful set for an officer, including a pickelhaube and a visor cap. It came in a totally different storage case than I had seen before. While basically shaped like a pickelhaube storage case, it is not as pointed at the top. This allows for the storage of BOTH headdress pieces. While I routinely see storage cases for either pickelhauben or visor caps, this is a nifty combination of both into one. It reduced the number of cases required when the officer was traveling. It would make a great addition to any headdress collection. Some of the securing straps on the exterior of the case are missing but the case is in excellent condition. $650.00 Reduced to $575.00!!

 

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33-140 OFFICER'S VISOR CAP - 1. CHEVAULEGERS-REGIMENT - BAVARIA. This is an officer's visor cap from 1. Chevaulegers-Regiment Kaiser Nikolaus von Rußland. The regiment was formed in 1682 and garrisoned in Nurnberg. It was attached to the Bavarian III. ArmeeKorps. Chevaulegers were unique within the German Army. The Bavarian Army had a total of eight such regiments before WWI began. The cap has a green cover. It features a wide magenta band, measuring 1 1/2," with a single magenta piping band encircling the cover's top. The cap's front features the reich's kokarde and Bavaria's state kokarde. The cap's exterior is very pleasing.  Two very small moth nips appear on the magenta trim band in the area of the Bavarian officer's kokarde. Inside the cap is a complete, well used, leather sweatband, that shows signs of perspiration.  The cap's liner is made of light-blue silk. The München manufacturer's embossed stamp appears on the liner.  The inside of the visor is brown leather. This cap came to me from a very advanced collector's personal stash. He has advised me that the cap has all the indications of an early-war example from 1914/1915. It is a VERY hard-to-find visor cap from a very elite Bavarian cavalry regiment. $1,095.00 Reduced to $975.00!!

 

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33-97 EAST ASIAN ARMY OFFICER TROPENHELM. This is an officer’s tropenhelm as worn in Germany’s Chinese colony. The tropenhelm is covered in brown cotton material. The helmet’s front boasts an utterly magnificent, colonial, gilt-toned wappen. It portrays the Hohenzollern Eagle with outspread wings. A S Crown appears over the eagle’s head. The eagle’s quality and detailing are astounding. A sewn-on cover on the helmet’s back extends well over the wearer’s neck and down his shoulder tops. This served to protect the wearer from sunburning his otherwise exposed neck to subtropical China’s harsh sun. Inside the tropenhelm is a finely-made leather sweatband, in excellent condition. The Berlin-located manufacturer’s name is embossed on the leather. Colonial tropenhelms are very difficult to find. They make an important addition to any type of collection, whether it is headdress, colonial, etc. Earlier this year we had a similar tropenhelm, only it was identified to a particular officer. We are quite pleased to find another example, after selling the first. Overall, its condition is excellent. $5,495.00   Reduced to $4,825.00!!

 

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33-107 VISOR CAP FOR AN NCO IN FELDARTELLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 62 - OLDENBURG. This is a wonderful Schirmutze for an NCO who served in Ostfreisisches Feldartellerie-Regiment Nr 62. This regiment was founded in 1899 and while considered a Prussian regiment, Batterie Nr 2 and Nr 3 were Oldenburgers under the command of Oldenburg officers. This regiment was garrisoned in both Oldenburg and Osnabrück and was assigned to X. ArmeeKorps. The cap is of the pre WW I dark blue. It has a wide black band which denotes artillery. The chinstrap is still in place on this cap which is quite unusual as so many men removed them. There is a single red band of trim at the top of the cap. The State Kokarde of Oldenburg is in place as well as the Reich Kokarde for Germany. There is some very light and scattered moth tracking on the top of the cap but it is quite clean and handsome and this is not detractive to the overall presentation of the cap. Inside the cap a moderately used leather sweat band is in place as well as a full and complete silk liner. This is a very handsome visor cap which is available in very limited numbers due to the small number of NCO's who served in the regiment and to the fact that the regiment was only in existence for nineteen years. $595.00 Reduced to $525.00!!

 

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33-131 ARTILLERY RESERVE OFFICER KUGELHELM WITH THE "FRW" WAPPEN - PRUSSIA. This is a reserve officer’s kugelhelm. It is correct for either Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz August von Preußen (1. Litthauisches) Nr 1, 1. Pommersches Feldartellerie-Regiment Nr 2, Feldartillerie-Regiment General Feldzugmeister (1. Brandenburgisches) Nr 3, or Feldartillerie-Regiment von Peucker (1. Schlesisches) Nr 6. Only these four regiments wore this wappen-style. In 1. Pommersches Feldartellerie-Regiment Nr 2, Batterie Nr 1 wore a "Colberg. 1807" bandeau. Batterie Nr 6 from Feldartillerie-Regiment General Feldzugmeister (1. Brandenburgisches) Nr 3 also wore the "Colberg. 1807" bandeau. The explanation for the difference is quite simple. The four regiments were the Prussian Army’s oldest. I bought this kugelhelm for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is its wappen, as I explained above. The second is the helmet’s fiber body. This was still a novel substance early in the 20th Century, and I doubt it was an inexpensive option. The advantage of fiber is that is a forerunner of fiberglass and that it delivers an incredible, high-gloss finish and is quite strong. Even after hours of diligent polishing, the more common (and less-expensive) leather helmets lack a fiber helmet's mirrorlike luster. In many ways a fiber helmet resembles patent leather, which is still used in formal wear shoes today.So, our helmet displays a very high level of gloss. A downside to fiber is that like fiberglass it can crack. Generally speaking the cracking of fiber is not as severe as a leather helmet that cracks as it dries out. An elliptical circular crack extends from the wappen back to the rear trim on the helmet’s left side. The crack is not wide. It is more of a stress fracture. The wappen is beautifully frosted gilt. All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt, with the exception of the silver reserve officer’s cross. The reserve cross sits below the king’s cypher. As is correct for reserve officer’s helmets, the slogan "Für Gott un Vaterland" appears on the cross rather than on the eagle. The reserve officer’s cross also displays the date 1813. The rest of the furniture is in prime condition. Both the officer and reich’s kokarden are present and in lovely condition. The helmet’s interior is especially interesting. The leather sweatband is of supreme quality. It has the rarely-seen high stitching embellishing the interior. The liner is green silk. It is a much different style of material than we generally see in helmets. The usual silk is a thicker, heavier weave. This silk is almost paper-thin. One clearly can see the water mark in it. Some sections of the silk liner are missing. It has substantial tearing. I still like this liner however, because we just do not see them very often. All of the original hardware is intact. The size, "57," is penciled in. It is a remarkable kugelhelm that was worn by one of the Prussian Army’s oldest artillery regiments. $6,395.00 Reduced to $5,625.00!!

 

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04-284 OFFICER SHAKO FOR TELEGRAPH BATTALION Nr 1 - PRUSSIA. This is a first-rate example of an officer shako who would have been in Telegraph Battalion Nr 1. The key to this description is the Garde Star on the wappen. Only Telegraph Battalion Nr 1 carried this star. While it was not officially termed a Garde unit, it did have Garde status. It also was attached to the Garde Armee Corps units and provided communication services for Garde cavalry and infantry regiments within the Garde Army Corps. The shako is very high quality. The Garde Star and wappen are true works of art. Its enamel is first-rate and undamaged. The chinscales are of a light gold (almost like a rose gold). Although they display some age and patina, they are still quite lovely. The officer’s reich kokarde is present on the shako’s right side. Also extant is a very handsome officer’s field badge at the top of the shako. Inside the shako we see a leather sweatband, which reveals light age. The highest quality shakos usually displayed stitching high up around the circumference of their sweatbands, where the silk liner is stitched to the band. Not only does the sweatband present this stitching, but also displays, embossed in GOLD script, the words: "Marke Gardes du Corps." The fine silk liner in place exhibits average age. One small portion of the latter has pulled away from the sweatband, but this is not detractive in any way. This is a very desirable and RARE officer’s shako. $4,895.00 Reduced to $4,295.00!!

 

05-1410 RED EAGLE ORDER 4th CLASS WITH CROWN. This is a very fine example of the Red Eagle Order 4th Class with Crown. The Red Eagle Order was one of three Prussian decoration families. These families include the Red Eagle Order (Roter Adler Orden/RAO), the Crown Order, and the Hohenzollern Order. The decorations within each Order consisted of a Collar, Breast Stars, a Großkreuz, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Classes, as well as the Medal of the Order. The RAO was instituted in 1792. It was the oldest of the three Prussian Order families. Many models were issued during the RAO’s lifetime. Our offering today is a Red Eagle Order 4th Class, which was the order’s final model, instituted in 1892. By itself, the medal measures 1 1/2” x 1 1/2.” The articulated crown measures 3/4” x 3/4.” The medal has pebbled arms. The silver crown boasts a red enameled interior. The decoration’s center features a hand painted Red Eagle. The decoration’s reverse displays König Friedrich Wilhelm III’s crowned royal cypher “FW.” The decoration is not hallmarked. A beautiful, watermarked silk ribbon, measuring 2,” accompanies it. The decoration is in excellent condition. $1,095.00 Reduced to $975.00!!

 

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05-792 GOLDEN MILITARY MERIT CROSS IN THE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - PRUSSIA. The Golden Military Merit Cross was the highest military honor that Prussia could offer its enlisted men and NCO’s. It was the equal to the Pour le Merité which was awarded to officers. This example is not made of silver but rather has a gilt finish over a base metal. It is not hallmarked in any way and is a private purchase as opposed to an issue piece. It is high quality and comes in the original red leatherette presentation case which is a real plus as presentation cases are quite hard to come by.. The decoration is attached to its original war ribbon. Quite nice $1,250.00 Reduced to $1,095.00!!

 

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05-1369 ALBERT ORDER COMMANDER CROSS (2^nd MODEL) - SAXONY. The Albert Order series was a key decoration range in the Kingdom of Saxony. Like Prussia, Saxony had more than one line of decorations. The kingdom awarded two principal groups of orders and decorations. The first group contained the Military St. Heinrich Orders, and the second held the Albert Orders. The St. Heinrich was reserved for military officers in both peace and wartime. The Albert Order was given to both military and civil officials. The Albert Order was first offered in 1850. It was awarded as a first model from 1850 to 1876. The second model was awarded from 1876 to 1918. It was awarded at the top level as a Grand Cross (Großkreuz), in both a neck badge and a Breast Star. The next level down was the Commander’s Cross (Komturkreuz). Again, it was awarded as a neck order and as a Breast Star. Following the Commander’s Cross, the Albert Order was offered as a pinback award (Offizierkruez), Knight’s Cross 1^st Class, Knight’s Cross 2^nd Class, and finally as the Albrechtskreuz (Albert Cross). Our offering today is an Albert Order at the Commander’s level. This very handsome decoration measures 3 1/2" from crown to bottom. The crown measures 1" x 1 1/4," while the cross itself measures 2 1/2" x 2 1/8." The decoration sports massive, white, enameled arms. In the obverse’s center is a gilt profile of Albert, with blue and gold enamel surrounding the white enamel background to which the Albert medallion is affixed. A green enameled wreath connects all of the decoration’s arms. The reverse displays the Saxon Coat-of-Arms on a white enamel center. The date of institution, 1850, also appears on the reverse. The decoration is made of silver gilt. On the six o’ clock arm is a "G" for Glaser. This well-known firm was located in Dresden. They produced excellent orders and decorations, even flight badges. The decoration comes on a 15" length of correct green and white ribbon, which also measures 2 1/4" in width. It is not a full-length ribbon, as the ties are not in place. The example is in beautiful condition. It has no enamel problems that I can detect. $2,595.00 Reduced to $2,275.00!!

05-1396 COLONIAL DENKMÜNZE - THREE SPANGEN. This is the Colonial Denkmünze. We do not see the decoration very often. It is bronze-toned, measuring 1 1/4" in diameter. The decoration was awarded for service overseas in Germany’s various colonies, beginning in 1912. The obverse features Kaiser Wilhelm II’s profile, along with his royal cypher. The decoration’s reverse boasts a Hohenzollern Crown within a laurel leaf wreath. Below the crown is the phrase, "Den Tapferen Streitern Für Deutschland’s Ehre(The Brave Fight for Germany’s Honor)." The decoration is mounted on the same ribbon used on the German Southwest Africa Combatant’s Medal. The ribbon has three spangen mounted on it. From top to bottom, they include:

*Togo 1896 (very early and seldom-seen).

*Togo 1898/99 (uncommon combination showing two years service.).

*Togo 1901.

This decoration is very rare. With three spangen, it is a real prize. This is the first time we have offered one of them. $750.00 Reduced to $650.00!!

 

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05-1196 FRAMED PHOTO, DECORATION AND BOUTONNIERE - JÄGER zu PFERDE-BATTALION Nr 7 - PRUSSIA. This is a very exciting grouping, one I have had for five years. The grouping once belonged to a man from Jäger-Regiment zu Pferde Nr 7. Jäger zu Pferde regiments were first established in the early 20^th Century. They served as a mounted, light-hunting cavalry. They were at the opposite of the spectrum from küraßier regiments. Jäger-Regiment zu Pferde Nr 7 was established in 1913 and garrisoned at Trier. It was assigned to the VIII. Armeekorps. A framed photograph of the items’ original owner is a part of the grouping. The frame measures 12 ½" x 8 ½," while the framed image measures 6 ½" x 4 3/4." In the photograph one can clearly see his shoulder straps and regimental designation. He is wearing a gorget around his neck. He is also wearing a four-place medal bar. Also evident on his chest is the veteran’s badge described below. This is the most exciting veterans’ badge I have ever acquired. Indeed, the term "veteran’s badge" does not do the piece justice. The construction and design of the badge are quite striking. This badge was presented to men who served in küraßier and Jäger zu Pferde-Regiments. It is slightly larger than an Iron Cross 1st Class. It measures 1 3/4" x 1 3/4." Crossed swords extend through the badge’s center. The arms are a beautiful white enamel, while the enamel center is a gorgeous black and gold. I said earlier that calling this a veteran’s badge was unfair. Its superior quality and beauty rank with the most prestigious decorations. Elite cavalry regiments such as Jäger-Regiment zu Pferde Nr 7 were substantially smaller than infantry regiments. Included as part of this grouping is a boutonniere for the badge. It is faithfully reproduced and mounted on a red, black, blue, and yellow ribbon. The name of the firm that produced it appears on the reverse’s button, reading, "Paul Kust." The boutonniere comes in a small, cardboard carton, which is also marked with the manufacturer’s name. The number of these that were manufactured surely was quite limited. This is a very important grouping. $1,795.00 Reduced to $1,575.00!!

 

08-389 BREAST STAR OF THE LUDWIG ORDER - HESSEN-DARMSTADT. The Grand Duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt was among the most important states in Imperial Germany. She boasted a long and proud military tradition. She also had a smaller state, Hessen-Kassel, which was absorbed into Prussia (as were Hannover and Braunschweig) at the end of the German Wars of Unification against Austria and several other German states (Württemberg, Saxony, and Bavaria). [As an interesting side point, Hessen troops served the British in the American Revolution. One of their best-known engagements during the American Revolution was when General George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River at night, then, in a dawn attack on Christmas morning, defeated the Germans at Trenton, totally surprising the enemy. Of course it was not overly difficult for King George III of England to attract German troops, as he was also the King of Hannover. England depended heavily on German troops (both infantry and cavalry) throughout the reign of George III, which included the Napoleonic Wars. German troops were among the best that Wellington commanded in Spain, Portugal, and, ultimately, at Waterloo]. Hesse-Darmstadt’s Ludwig’s Order was a complete family of orders and decorations, which included a Collar, Grand Cross, Commander’s Cross, Honor Cross, and a 1^st and 2^nd Class Knight’s Cross. At certain levels the orders and decorations were awarded with swords and diamonds. Today we are offering a Breast Star of the Ludwig’s Order. The silver-toned star measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/2." In the star’s center is a green enamel. Lettered in gold on the black enamel are the words "Gott. Ehre. Vater: Land." On the reverse is a wonderful swollen pin. The pin is pressed in (this allowed it to settle more easily onto a tunic once the pin was passed through a tunic’s sewn-in loops), which is a clear sign that it was worn. Underneath the pin is "Schnitzspahn," which was a well-known jeweler (I am not certain if they were the Grand Duke’s house jewelers). "Darmstadt," the capital of Hesse-Darmstadt is also stamped under the pin. The Breast Star is in excellent condition, with no enamel problems. $3,995.00   Reduced to $3,475.00!!

 

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08-444 KREUZ 1. KLASSE FÜR AUSZEICHNUNG IM KRIEGE - MECKLENBURG-STRELITZ. This is the Iron Cross 1^st Class equivalent from the very small Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. This Grand Duchy was so small they could not field a complete regiment! They formed one infantry battalion within a Mecklenburg-Schwerin regiment. They also fielded one artillery battalion in a Prussian regiment. They had a few soldiers who may have been in the Mecklenburg-Schwerin Dragoon regiment and other formations. Needless to say, Mecklenburg-Strelitz did NOT have a large military presence. In German, their decoration was known as the "Kreuz 1. Klasse Für Auszeichnung Im Kriege." The cross was issued in small numbers from 1915 through 1917. The cross is shaped like an Iron Cross 1^st Class, but is all silver-toned. The cross is vaulted, and measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2." Its center displays "Für Tapferkeit," with "1914" below that. The cross has a sturdy pin on the reverse. No hallmarking whatsoever appears on the reverse. I cannot tell you how difficult these are to find. I have not had more than two or three over the years. This example is very attractive and in fine condition. $895.00 Reduced to $775.00!!

 

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08-443 HERZOG CARL EDUARD GOLDEN SERVICE MEDAL WITH SWORDS AND 1915/1916 CLASP - SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA. This is a very scarce decoration from the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It is the Herzog (Duke) Carl Eduard Golden Service Medal with Swords and the 1915/1916 Clasp. The golden-colored decoration measures 1 1/8" in diameter. The obverse features Duke Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha’s high-profile image. The reverse displays the Duchy’s Coat-of-Arms and motto. Attached to the decoration is a magenta and green ribbon. A spange with crossed swords and the date 1915/6 is attached to the ribbon. This is a very difficult decoration to find. $1,095.00 Reduced to $975.00!!

 

08-335 MILITARY SERVICE CROSS 3^rd CLASS - WALDECK und PYRMONT. This is the Military Service Cross 3^rd Class from the Principality of Waldeck. This award was presented 111 times during the period of 1878 to 1896. The limited number of awards is explained in part by the principality’s small size. For example, they fielded only a single battalion (Battalion Nr 3) in Prussia’s Infantrie-Regiment von Wittich (3. Kurhessisches) Nr 83. The regiment was raised in 1813. The Waldeck Battalion was garrisoned at Arlosen. The decoration is a small silver cross, measuring 1 5/8" x 1 ½." In the decoration’s heart is a red enamel center featuring the ruler of Waldeck und Pyrmont’s silver cypher. The cross’s reverse says "Für Verdienst." The original and correct red, black, and yellow ribbon is attached. It is in very fine condition. $1,695.00 Reduced to $1,495.00!!

 

 

09-640 1914 IRON CROSS 1st CLASS PINBACK - PRINZENGROßE. This is a 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class Prinzengroße. It is a flat (non vaulted) example. The paint on the obverse rates at about 60%, due to paint loss on two of the cross’s arms. The reverse sports a horizontal pin, rather than the more commonly-seen vertical pin. It is another unusual variant. $850.00 Reduced to $750.00!!

 

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09-786 1914 IRON CROSS 1st CLASS - THREE-PIECE SCREWBACK - .800 SILVER. This is a low-vaulted 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class, in fine condition. It is a privately-purchased model. Its paint rates at nearly 100%. The frame’s detail and beading are quite striking. The frame displays a marvelous patina. The reverse features a threaded brass screw that secures the other two pieces together. It has a large backing plate, made from a base metal, which measures 1 1/2" in diameter. Iron Crosses with large backing plates are sometimes referred to as Küraßiers’ Iron Crosses, because that type of backing plate was applied to the küraß’s inside. Under the backing plate, the Iron Cross’s reverse is hallmarked for .800 silver. This would make a great addition to an Iron Cross display, or any collection. $675.00 Reduced to $595.00!!

 

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09-573 ENGRAVED TO A MAN IN A BAVARIAN MACHINE GUN KOMPAGNIE 1914 IRON CROSS 1st CLASS. This is a privately-purchased, vaulted, engraved, 1914 Iron Cross. Some minor paint-loss shows on the obverse. I rate this example’s paint at about 95%. On the reverse, we see engraved "Schütze M. Frey 12. Bayer. Infantrie-Regiment 3. MGK 25.8.20." This man was assigned to 12. Infantrie-Regiment Prinz Arnuff. This regiment was established in 1814 and assigned to the I. Bavarian Armeekorps. The regiment was garrisoned at Neu-Ulm. Furthermore, this man was assigned to the 3rd Machine Gun Kompagnie of the regiment. The engraving was done professionally, but in all honesty, I have seen better renditions. This Iron Cross’s individuality comes from the fact that it is Bavarian and comes from a Machine Gun Kompagnie, which adds a lot to the piece. $1,295.00 Reduced to $1,125.00!!

 

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09-788 1914 IRON CROSS 1^st CLASS - HALLMARKED - SY & WAGNER - .835 SILVER. Like Kaiser Wilhelm II’s other noted court jewelers (Godet & Sohn, Wagner & Sohn, Friedlander, etc.), Sy & Wagner produced an interesting line of Iron Crosses. Before I describe this special Iron Cross, I would like to acquaint you with Sy & Wagner’s work. Like the other houses, they did a wonderful job with decorations. Their rendition of the Knight’s Cross with Swords of the Hohenzollern House Order is as fine as you will ever see. It is one of my particular favorites. They were also noted (along with Friedlander) for their work on the special gifts (stickpins, cigarette cases, etc.) with which the Kaiser favored members of royalty from Germany and abroad. The Kaiser was generous with his gifts. I find some of them simply amazing. Now, to our Iron Cross. Like Godet, Sy & Wagner produced a varying line of Iron Crosses to suit all tastes and pocketbooks. In the past we have been fortunate to share a very basic Sy & Wagner Iron Cross 1^st Class with you. Today we are extremely pleased to offer an upgraded Sy & Wagner Iron Cross 1^st Class. This Iron Cross is a non vaulted (flat) example. The paint is excellent on the obverse. It rates at nearly 100%. A horizontal crack appears on its 6 o’clock arm. Two small dimples show up on the 3 o’clock arm’s beading. That same arm also displays two diminutive dimples on its frame. Perhaps the "hit" that caused the dimpling also cracked the iron core. The reverse features the manufacturer’s name in the Iron Cross’s center. Sy & Wagner is spelled out completely, rather than just an abbreviation of the firm’s name on the pin. The silver content (.835) is listed above the firm’s name. Below the firm’s name is Berlin. It is a pity that the damage described above exists. Were it not for this, the Iron Cross would be worth $900! It is a very rare variation. $695.00 Reduced to $595.00!!

 

 

09-791 1914 IRON CROSS 1st CLASS - VAULTED. This is a very slightly vaulted 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. I do not see crosses vaulted to this extent too often. The cross’s obverse is in exceptional condition. The paint rates at 100%. I really like the frame’s construction. It displays a beautiful patina. The cross’s reverse is also quite clean and attractive. No manufacturer’s hallmarking or silver content is present. The cross certainly has the look of silver, however. The cross’s entire presentation is understated, yet shows the highest quality level. $550.00 Reduced to $475.00!!

 

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09-690 1914 IRON CROSS 1^st CLASS NON VAULTED AND .938 SILVER HALLMARKED. This is a flat (non -vaulted) Iron Cross. It is the same style that was used in the issued Iron Crosses. The paint is generally good, with the exception of one small patch on the nine o’clock arm. Still, the paint rates a solid 90%. The frame exhibits a wonderful patina. The cross is hallmarked .938 silver in the center on the reverse. The Iron Cross also has a very mildly swollen pin. It is a very sharp Iron Cross! $495.00   Reduced to $425.00!!

 

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09-511 THREE DECORATION GROUPING, INCLUDING 1914 IRON CROSS 2^nd CLASS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - BAVARIA. This is a most interesting presentation grouping including the 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class, the Military Service Cross with Swords 3^rd Class, and the Hindenburg Cross for Combatants. This presentation comes in a deluxe, brown, leatherette box measuring 5 3/4" x 4 1/4." The outer lid depicts a central motif of a 1914 Iron Cross. Surrounding it is a Bavarian flag, oak leaves, and crossed cannons, all exquisitely executed in high relief. The oversized upper lid is lined in traditional blue silk, while a darker blue velvet covers the fitted lower (also oversized) half of the case. The lower half houses the 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class, and the Bavarian Military Service Cross 3^rd Class with Swords. Above each of these two decorations is a small rectangle of the appropriate ribbon for each decoration. Attached to the upper lid (with the ribbon tucked into the liner) is the Hindenburg Cross for Combatants. This was probably a late addition to the grouping, at some point after the Hindenburg Cross was first issued in 1935. Multi decoration groupings like this are an infrequent find, particularly in such an attractive display. This combination is also quite scarce. It is splendid and shows this native son of Bavaria‘s pride of service. $625.00   Reduced to $550.00!!

 

 

09-803 1914 IRON CROSS 2^nd CLASS - PRESENTATION CASE. This is a very pleasing 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class in the original presentation case. The 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class usually was issued in a paper packet. Both during and after WW I, men often purchased better quality Iron Crosses that came in presentation cases. Such is the instance here. The case is gray, measuring 4 1/4" x 2 1/2" x 1/2." Inside, the upper lid has an Iron Cross’s outline embossed on it in black, along with the slogan "Zur Erinnerung an Deutschlands Große Zeit (In Remembrance of Germany’s Greatest Time)." The case’s bottom half is fitted to accept the Iron Cross and the ribbon in separate areas. The Cross itself is quite pleasing. Together, the decoration and presentation case make an impressive pair. $495.00 Reduced to $425.00!!

 

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06-173 IRON CROWN ORDER 3^rd CLASS WITH SWORDS - ORIGINAL AWARD DOCUMENT - AUSTRIA. This is an Order of the Iron Crown 3^rd Class with Swords along with its original award document, from Austria. The award document is quite large and ornate. It measures 12 3/4" x 7 1/4." The document’s format is quite similar to Prussian documents in many ways. At the top, the document begins," Seine Majestät Der Kaiser von Oesterreich König von Bohmen u.s.w. und Apostolischre König von Ungaren." The document follows that the awardee is a Dr. Artur Trotter, who serves in the Army Reserves. The award is dated 7 February 1916 with notice made in Vienna on 26 February by the Chief or the Ordens section. This official’s signature is at the bottom. In the left lower cover of the document is a huge embossed seal of the Kaiser’s House, complete with the double-headed Austrian Eagle. This document is in PERFECT condition for being ninety years old. It has never even been folded. It has been cared for beautifully all of these years. This is the identical theme used on the Iron Eagle itself.  As for the Iron Eagle, it is in wonderful condition. The decoration’s obverse is in sparkling condition, with all of the enamel in first-rate condition. The same goes for the reverse. The decoration’s blue and yellow ribbon is in the Austrian tri-fold style. The gilt crossed swords are attached to the ribbon. They make a very fine pair. $1,995.00 Reduced to $1,750.00!!

 

 

06-187 1870 MILITARY SERVICE CROSS 2^nd CLASS AND URKUNDE - MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN. This is a simply marvelous grouping which consists of the 1870 Military Service Cross 2^nd Class and its Urkunde (award document) from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, Friedrich Franz II (1823-1883) ruled the duchy. He sat on the throne from 1842 to 1883. Mecklenburg-Schwerin had long been Prussia’s ally. It fought with Prussia during the 1864 Danish-Prussian War and the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. The document and decoration were awarded to a young officer by the name of Wilhelm Meyer. Meyer served in Hannoversches Pionier Battalion Nr 10. The regiment was raised in 1804. It was garrisoned in Minden and assigned to the X. ArmeeKorps. The battalion was a former Hanoverian unit. It fought proudly in the Peninsular Campaign and at Waterloo with the Duke of Wellington. Its men carried the bandeaux for those campaigns on their pickelhauben. Meyer went on to become a Generalleutnant in the Prussian Army. He was assigned to the General Staff for matters relating to Pionier-Battalions. The document is quite ornate and measures 12 1/4" x 7 1/2." It is dated 31 December 1872 and signed by Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The embossed seal of the Duchy appears on the document. The decoration is the same size as an 1870 Iron Cross 2^nd Class. It is gilt-toned. A short length of original ribbon, measuring 4 1/2" x 1 1/2," is present. The silk ribbon is light blue, yellow, and red. The Military Service Cross 2^nd Class was awarded in far fewer numbers than the 1870 Iron Cross 2^nd Class. This is a fine presentation to a future German Army general. In the coming weeks, we will be offering a fine assortment of Meyer’s documents from throughout his military career. $1,495.00 Reduced to $1,295.00!!

 

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06-176 DOCUMENT AND DECORATION GROUPING - OBERLEUTNANT FRITZ KOCH. This is a diverse document and decoration grouping for Leutnant Fritz Koch. Koch served in the 1^st Battalion of 2. Thüringischen Infantrie-Regiment Nr 32. This grouping includes the following documents and decorations:

  Recommendation Letter 1903. This letter is dated from 1903. It displays Infantrie-Regiment Nr 32's unit stamp. The letter attests to Koch’s faithful and true service in the regiment.

Patent for Promotion to Vizefeldwebel from 1910.

Promotion Patent from Vizefeldwebel to Leutnant. This was awarded on 19 December 1907.

Award Document and Decoration for the Honor Cross for Service in War 1914/1915. This award comes from Saxe-Meinigen. The document is quite ornate and is issued in the name of Duchess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen. The document measures 13" x 8 1/4." It sports the Duchy’s applied royal seal. The award was made on 22 April 1915. It is a very decorative document. The decoration itself is gilt-toned and circular. It features the royal cypher on its obverse, and the dates 1914/1915 on its reverse. The decoration is rather uncommon. This is the first time that I have acquired an award document.

Award Document and Decoration for the 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class. Koch received his Iron Cross while still a member of Infantrie-Regiment Nr 32. The award was made on 28 November 1916. It was made in the name of the Commanding General of the XI. Armeekorps, Generalleutnant von Plüskow. The document bears Infantrie-Regiment Nr 32's unit stamp, and the signature of the commanding officer, a major.

Award Document and Decoration for the Kyffhäuser Bund.

Award Document and Decoration for the Hindenburg Cross with Swords for Combatants.

This is a fine grouping of documents and decorations to an officer. $795.00   Reduced to $695.00!!

 

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20-218 BAVARIAN PRINZ ALFONS’ CASED URKUNDE - HONORARY PRESIDENT - ARTILLERY VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION - DILLINGEN. Over the years I have tried to bring you many different types of royalty items. While I have offered many items from Kaiser Wilhelm II and other key members of German royalty, I have always had a soft place in my heart for Prinz Alfons of Bavaria. I will not task you here with his history, since it is well-chronicled elsewhere on this website. I will say that Prinz Alfons served as regimental chef to several regiments. Today we are offering a unique urkunde (award document). This document was issued to Prinz Alfons in September 1924. The document made him the honorary Ehrenpräsident (President) of the Artillerie-Vereinigung des Bezirks Dillingen. As I understand it, this was a veteran’s organization for former members of Artillerie-Regiments. I cannot stress too strongly this urkunde’s exquisite beauty. The document (actually, two documents) is housed in a sumptuous, dark-blue leather folio. The folio measures 13 1/2" x 10 1/4." The folio’s front is trimmed and embellished in gold. Pasted onto its center is a hand painted, full-color profile of a cannon, with its barrel elevated and ready to fire. Some shells are stacked around it. The cannon’s image is enclosed within a hand-painted border of blue and gold, embellished with blue oak and laurel leaves. Stylized "nails" decorate the four corners in Bavaria’s and Germany’s national colors. The small painting is then set within a gold-trimmed frame on the folio’s front. As one opens the folio, the two parts of the document are revealed. Each part is made of a high-quality velum. The left-hand document measures 13" x 9 1/2." The first thing that appears is a hand painted or a water-colored image of a watch tower within a small city. Below that, in the most beautiful calligraphy, is the first part of the award document. It has been executed in black ink. Below that in regal red is the name "S. K. H. Prinz Alfons v. Bayern." Not only is it done in red ink, but each of the letters is painstakingly trimmed in gold. This portion of the document is dated 28 September 1924. The right-hand document displays another hand painted or water-colored image, this one of a castle in the moonlight. Beneath the picture the urkunde’s text continues in black ink. Prinz Alfons and his title of Ehrenpräsident are again listed in red ink trimmed with gold. This side of the document is dated 21 December 1924. It bears the signatures of several officials of either the group and/or the city. Finally, a black rubber stamp has been applied that shows the organization’s name. For being nearly eighty-five-years-old, the leather folio and the two documents are in amazing condition. Even if documents are not your primary interest, please take a few moments to look at the attached photos and see the quality and workmanship that went into this set. $1,495.00 Reduced to $1,995.00!!

 

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31-10 DOCUMENT GROUPING TO GENERALMAJOR MAX SCHULENBURG. This is a document and photo grouping for Generalmajor Max Schulenburg. This large file has many photos of Schulenburg, his family and colleagues. The assortment is wide. Most of Schulenburg’s portrait photos date from 1934 to 1936. One is also included of him in uniform as a WW I general. Many photos appear of the young woman whom he married in 1934 (this was probably his second wife). Her name was Mathilde Rosenkränzer. Pictures of her as a young girl, alone and with what appear to be her siblings, are enclosed, as well as some photos of her relatives. From some of the included documents, she was related to some well-known scientists who published academically  (evidence of which is included). At least one of these academics was a woman. Unfortunately for Mathilde, the General died in March of 1937. Their marriage had lasted barely three years. Included in the more personal items are the wedding announcement, telegrams congratulating the happy pair, the death notice, telegrams of sympathy to the widow, and even a 1944 document from an antique dealer appraising some items for the widow. An elaborate award document for one of the Rosenkränzer professors is also included, along with some academic zeitschriften on chemistry and geology. Furthermore, several documents are enclosed that delineate the various family genealogies in extensive detail. Most fascinating of all is an elaborate document from 1815, mounted on an elegant piece of cardboard and bearing a wax Prussian seal. It may be a confirmation document for one of Schulenburg’s forebears.

Some of the General’s documents include the following:

Promotion Patent to the rank of Portopee Fähnrich of Fußartilleree-Regiment Nr 4. dated June 1883. Schulenburg had been an unteroffizier.

Promotion Patent from Portopee Fähnrich to Second Lieutenant while serving with Fußartilleree-Regiment Nr 4. This promotion took place in September 1884.

Promotion Patent for Second Lieutenant to Premier Lieutenant (1^st Lieutenant or Oberleutnant). This took place in April 1892, while Schulenburg was still assigned to an      artillery regiment.

Promotion Patent to Hauptmann, dated May 1898 and personally signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Schulenburg was still assigned to an artillery regiment.

Accompanying orders to his Promotion Patent to Hauptmann, also from May 1898, also personally signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Promotion Patent to Major, dated May 1906 and personally signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Promotion Patent from Major to Oberstleutnant, dated October 1912, while in the Fußartilleree. Personally signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Accompanying orders also dated October 1912, also personally signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Several documents from the various military schools Schulenburg attended.

This wonderful grouping includes FIVE bold signatures by Kaiser Wilhelm II. These alone are worth the price of the grouping. A mountain of material here awaits deeper exploration. Schulenburg died in 1937. As best as I can decipher, he was born in 1863 and spent more than thirty-five years in the army. $1,795.00 Reduced to $1,575.00!!

$2,495.00 Reduced to $2,195.00!!

07-121 OFFICER’S SWORD - SCHLOß-GARDE-KOMPAGNIE. The story of the Schloß-Garde-Kompagnie is one of the more interesting to come from the Kingdom of Prussia. I only started learning about the Schloß-Garde-Kompagnie a few years ago. Like many Imperial German Period collectors, I had not heard of the Schloß-Garde-Kompagnie. I misunderstood their role as compared to the Regiment der Garde du Corps. I had also thought of the Garde du Corps as the Kaiser’s personal guard. I thought this function was true for all situations. We have all seen photographs of the Kaiser in the field or on parade with men from the Garde du Corps surrounding him, holding his personal standard. This was all true, however, the Schloß-Garde-Kompagnie served as the Kaiser’s personal guard at his palaces. They were a highly-decorative unit in performing this function. To that end, highly-experienced soldiers who had proven themselves in previous duties were selected for the Schloß-Garde-Kompagnie. It was, in fact, Kompagnie sized. Generally one officer commanded the Kompagnie while all the other soldiers were feldwebels. Today we are offering one of the rarest edged weapons from the Imperial German Period. It is a very handsome ceremonial officer’s sword from the Schloß-Garde-Kompagnie. The sword is technically known as a Court Degen. It has brass fittings. Its hilt is silver-wire-wrapped. The degen’s pommel is a magnificent crown. The blade is unadorned and shows no manufacturer’s hallmarking. The scabbard is black leather with brass fittings. Sheathed, the degen measures 39 1/4" from the crown’s top to the scabbard’s bottom. Unsheathed from the scabbard, the degen measures 39" from the crown’s tip to the sword point. The blade itself measures 32 3/4" from the felt buffer to its tip. I must share with you the fact that this degen has undergone a complete restoration by Germany’s premiere restoration expert specializing in swords and pickelhauben. This man is nothing short of a genius at his craft. Had he not assured me that the sword could be restored to its former glory, I would not have purchased it. The scabbard in particular is amazing, compared to what I saw when I first purchased it. Every detail of the degen has been lovingly-looked after. This man’s work is so good, I believe many experienced blade collectors would not realize it has been restored and presumed that this sword was in its original state. It is a VERY rare sword, one of the most important we have offered. Take a good look at the extensive photographs accompanying our description, because you may never get to see another sword like this one!   $9,495.00 Reduced to $8,350.00!!

07-106 OFFICER’S LIONSHEAD SWORD - DRAGONER-REGIMENT Nr 26 - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is an officer’s regimentally attributed Lionshead sword that is in fine condition. The regiment that this sword represents is Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Würrtembergisches) Nr 26 from the Kingdom of Württemberg. The regiment was garrisoned in Stuttgart and raised in 1805. At the time WW I began, it was assigned to the XIII. Armeekorps. Württemberg fielded two Dragoner Regiments (and two regiments of Ulanen). While Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Würrtembergisches) Nr 26 was the second of the Dragoner Regiments, Dragoner-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr 25 was actually the junior regiment and was not raised until 1813. Part of what made Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Würrtembergisches) Nr 26 so unique was the enameled star they carried on their pickelhaube’s wappen. This was totally unlike Dragoner-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr 25, which did not carry this star. The same emblem was carried on the cartridge box of Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Würrtembergisches) Nr 26 while the cartridge box of Dragoner-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr 25 was unadorned. Another interesting feature of this emblem is that it was the exact same device that was seen on Württemberg generals’ pickelhauben! Even the senior infantry regiment of Württemberg did not carry this emblem. [This regiment was Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Würrtembergisches) Nr 119]. Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Würrtembergisches) Nr 26 was the ONLY Würrtemberg regiment to be so honored. Now that we have given you some background on the regiment and its importance, let us move on to the sword. The sword is a superior, Lionshead variety. Although I am far from an expert on swords, something about the Lionshead’s design appeals beyond all other Imperial German sword-types. The eyes of this Lion are a brilliant red that simply glows. Its grip is handsomely wrapped in sharkskin, which is wire wrapped, in turn. Both are in top condition. On the cross guard’s side is one of this sword’s most exciting details. It is the enameled device described above for Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Würrtembergisches) Nr 26. Wrapped about the sword is a very handsome Württemberg officer’s portopee that is in remarkable condition. A painted, black scabbard in fine condition, sporting a single ring, accompanies the sword. Attached to the scabbard ring is a belt, which was then attached to the officer’s own belt or horse’s saddle. This belt displays silver brocade tape on one side, while the reverse is leather. The brocade shows toning indicative of honest age, and remains in top condition. The blade is bright and engraved with a patriotic motif. Some very minor flecking appears in a few spots on the blade’s surface. That said, it is in excellent condition. In the scabbard, the sword measures 35." The scabbard itself measures 29 ½." Finally, the sword on its own measures 34 ½." This is a delightful and complete sword rig to one of the most elite Dragoner-Regiments in the German Army. $2,695.00 Reduced to $2,375.00!

07-103 KÜRAßIER LINE-OFFICER STICHDEGEN - PRUSSIA. This is the Stichdegen for a küraßier line-officer. Not only that, it is a World War I period example, as opposed to a pre World War I piece. This is actually harder to find than a prewar Stichdegen. When you think about it, most of the küraßier officers already had swords since they had been in küraßier regiments before the outbreak of the war. This sword would have been for an officer who might have been newly transferred to a küraßier line-regiment, or perhaps needed to replace his prewar sword. This sword is similar in general appearance to the Stichdegen above. It measures 37" from the pommel to the tip of the scabbard. It measures 35" from the tip of the pommel to the tip of the blade. With just a glance, one can see the difference in quality between the two swords. Like the other sword, this is silver wire-wrapped on the grip. I cannot tell if it is wrapped over sharkskin or not, as was the custom with top-quality swords before the beginning of WW I. It is physically a smaller sword than the other. The handguard is also considerably smaller. At first look the scabbard appears quite similar to the other Stichdegen; however, it is leather-wrapped over steel as opposed to wood. It has two brass fittings at the top and the bottom of the scabbard. The buffer is in place between the top of the blade and the scabbard. This provides for a good tight fit. The blade is plain and not engraved. It is, however, marked for the manufacturer. This is a fine wartime production sword in very fine condition. $1,250.00 Reduced to $1,095.00!!

10-616 CHRISTMAS PIPE AND FRAMED DOCUMENT - KRONPRINZ WILHELM. Early during the Great War, Kronprinz Wilhelm commonly offered a Christmas gift to the soldiers under his command. In the past, we have sold part of this gift. What we offered was a pipe’s head that depicted a colored-likeness of the Kronprinz, wearing his death’s-head Husaren Attila and visor cap. On the back of the pipe was "5. Armee Weihnachten 1914." I have offered perhaps two or three of these pipe heads. Today we are offering the complete pipe, in the long style that German veterans purchased after the war, to display in which regiment they had served. The pipe has two sections. The lower half is where the pipe head is attached. This measures 27" in length. The other piece is some 6 ½" long and attaches to the top, containing the mouthpiece. A problem exists in that an attachment piece (it would have been quite small) is missing. Thus, currently the two primary pieces cannot be mated together. This is still fine for display, as the two pieces can be laid together for this purpose. (If you are enterprising, you may be able to figure a way to make it work)!  Even more interesting is the framed certificate, which accompanied the pipe when it was initially given out by the Kronprinz. This certificate comes in a period wooden frame. The frame measures 13 ½" x 7 ½." The certificate itself measures 11 ½" x 7 ½." The message of the certificate is to the troops spending Christmas in France. He writes that his grandfather, Friedrich Wilhelm (later Kaiser Friedrich III), saluted his brave troops at Christmas while they were also fighting the French. This is a very fine grouping that will display beautifully. $650.00 Reduced to $575.00!!

 

 

10-704 ENLISTED MAN’S VETERAN’S PIPEHEAD - HUSAREN-REGIMENT Nr 17 - BRAUNSCHWEIG. This is a gorgeous ceramic enlisted veteran’s pipehead from Braunschweig’s famed Husaren Regiment Nr 17, 1st Squadron. Its metal lid is fashioned as a replica of the regiment’s famous busby. It is painted black, with the red kolpak indicated on the top and side. Its chin scales, bandeau (reading Mit Gott F. Koenig U. Vaterland), and Totenkopf are gilt-toned brass. The lid is attached by a hinge and latches securely with a closing pin beneath the Totenkopf. The pipehead’s front features a hand painted picture of a mounted, busby-wearing Hussar, complete with lance and sword. The owner’s name is written beneath the painting, "Resv. Fürste." Both are surrounded by a raised ceramic wreath of oak leaves and acorns hand painted in greens, yellows, brown and gold tops for the acorns. The wreath is joined together at its base by a ribbon in Braunschweig’s blue and yellow colors. The pipehead’s reverse is decorated with another small painting of a mutze-wearing Hussar who appears to be lounging on a jail room couch, with rats scampering over him. A humorous verse is written below him. The pipe maker’s named is written on the pipestem. This lovely piece would make a great display item. $895.00 Reduced to $775.00!!

 

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10-702 1920'S M. HOHNER HARMONICA - ORIGINAL BOX AND INFORMATION. The German firm M. Hohner is known as the premier harmonica manufacturer. The firm was founded in 1857. It had early ties to the U. S. market, where their products were very popular. While I do not know if he used a Hohner, President Abraham Lincoln frequently carried a harmonica with him. Today we are offering a near-mint example from the 1920's. The harmonica measures 5 3/4" x 1 1/4." One side features the various medals and prizes won by the firm from 1871 to 1907. The opposite side has engraved in German Fraktur, "Wenn wir marschieren (When we March) M. Hohner." The harmonica is in very good condition. The wooden portions of the reed all look good to me. The instrument is housed in a presentation box that measures 6 1/4" x 1 1/2." The carton’s exterior shows German soldiers marching with the same slogan, "Wenn wir marschieren." The box’s bottom displays the name of the Hannover distributor who sold this example, as well as the original price, 2.60 RM. Inside the box are the dates 1926 and 1927 from Frankfurt and Philadelphia. Folded up inside the carton is a color brochure or packing paper. It shows various types of people using the product, as well as pricing for the firm’s other products. It is a marvelous piece of history. $550.00 Reduced to $475.00!!

 

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11-325 PRUSSIAN ARMY COMMEMORATIVE PILOTS BADGE. This is a one-piece Prussian Army Commemorative Pilot’s Badge. This badge was worn by pilots when they were no longer actively flying, due to retirement or injuries. The manufacturer of this badge was Friedrich Keller, a firm with which I have not had experience. The badge has a fine swollen pin. It does show some aging in the finish on the obverse and reverse. $595.00 Reduced to $525.00!!

 

11-421 NAVY OBSERVER’S BADGE - PRINZENGROßE SIZE. This is a fascinating badge for a Navy Observer. It has two features that make it interesting. First it is prinzengroße-sized. While we do see a fair number of Navy Land Plane Pilot’s Badges, we do not see the Navy Observer as often. The other intriguing feature is that the badge is a cliche (stamped) variety. This is very unusual! The badge boasts a fine swollen pin. The badge measures 1 3/4" x 1." It is an unusual variation. $395.00 Reduced to $350.00!!

 

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11-395 NAVY LAND PILOT’S BADGE STICKPIN. Navy flight badges were produced in much smaller numbers than their Prussian Army counterparts. The Navy Land Plane Pilot’s Badge was worn by aviators who flew in Navy (Marine) Jastas. This is the stickpin for the Navy Land Plane Pilot’s Badge. It has a fine burnished finish with very good detail. This is a difficult stickpin to obtain. $495.00   Reduced to $425.00!!

 

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13-594 NAVY LAND PLANE PILOT’S BADGE RING. Over the years I have offered numerous examples of a ring which featured the Prussian Army Pilot Badge. These are delightful rings and which were generally worn by pilots or possibly their sweetheart. They have always been very popular with collectors and when I am lucky enough to find one I buy it immediately to be able to offer to you on these pages. Today we have something that really excited me when I first saw it. It is a ring for a Navy Land Plane Pilot! If you look at our Navy flight badges you will see an example of this badge. One great difference that you will see is that the badges are gilt toned while our ring is silver. There is a fair amount of wear to the high points of the badge (wreath and crown) but the interior detail can still be seen quite easily. The band on the ring is massive and much larger than the Prussian Army Pilot Badge rings. There is a cut out slot on each side between the actual band and the badge. Inside the band we see that this is a VERY high quality ring as it is both manufacturer hallmarked (SL) and .925 silver. This ring is a size 10 1/2. a very rare and desirable ring. $450.00 Reduced to $395.00!!

 

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12-362 NAPOLEONIC SILK PRINT. In recent months I have become far more interested in the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. Napoleon Bonaparte was a magnetic leader who brought France to the brink of global domination during this period. By better understanding this time, it prepares the student of German history for the 19^th Century’s last half. That is, the unification of Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck. This, in turn, led to the German military buildup that helped contribute to WW I. Returning to the Napoleonic Wars, it is interesting how the victory of Great Britain and her allies solidified her position as the leading military power while European colonies spread throughout the world. Today we offer a novel piece of German art from the period of 1860 to 1890. It is a re-creation of the famous retreat by Napoleon and his army from Russia during a vicious Russian winter of 1814. Napoleon is sitting astride his horse in his classic pose: hand tucked into his tunic. He is at the head of his army as they retreat to Western Europe from Russia. He does no look like a happy camper! The suffering of the French Army as they retreated is nearly unimaginable. Then again, history often repeats itself. The German Army in WW II would suffer the same fate after the two front war was opened in 1941. What makes this piece interesting is its deceiving appearance. At first glance it appears to be a typical lithograph, however nothing could be further from the truth. It is, in fact, made from WOVEN SILK! I find it difficult to imagine the time and effort that went into the design and execution of this piece. I am amazed as I look at it at its attention to detail and its exquisite production quality. The detail to individual soldiers in the retreating columns, to Napoleon, and to the staff who ride behind him is exceptional. The framed depiction measures 17 3/8" x 12." The piece may not be period framed. The artist’s name appears at the bottom of his/her work. This is a wonderful recreation. I am sure it will look as attractive on your wall as it currently looks on mine! $895.00 Reduced to $775.00!!

 

 

12-596 FRAMED LITHOGRAPH - KING FRIEDRICH THE GREAT - PRUSSIA. Friedrich the Great (Friedrich der Grosse, 1712-1787) generally is recognized as the force behind the Prussian power surge that began in the 18^th Century. Under his guidance, this formerly obscure kingdom became a dominant force on the continent of Europe. His heirs, Friedrich Wilhelm III, Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Wilhelm I, Friedrich III, and Wilhelm II, saw Germany grow into a world power in the span of two-hundred years. Even during Kaiser Wilhelm II’s reign, Friedrich the Great’s influence remained substantial. Our offering today is an Imperial German Period-framed color lithograph of the great king. The framed presentation measures 15 1/2" x 12." The lithograph contained within the frame measures 13" x 10 1/4." A black wooden plaque is attached to the glass across the frame’s bottom. It proclaims in gold script, "Friedrich der Grosse." Friedrich is in uniform, wearing a Black Eagle Breast Star. The frame’s reverse has information about the Lübeck (one of the three Hanseatic States) firm that prepared it decades ago. Friedrich the Great’s influence on all aspects of German life was significant. He was considered one of the best military tacticians of his day, a fact recognized later by no less a personage than Napoleon. Under his rule, French was Prussia’s court language. He instituted the Orden Pour le Mérite. It is interesting that Prussia’s most important decoration has a French name. We have him to thank for it! During his rule, the magnificent palace, Sans Soucci, was built at Potsdam in the French style. It bears many similarities to the French palace at Versailles. The lithograph shows him as he looked in 1780 (six years before his death at the age of sixty-eight). The original painting was done by Anton Graff. $250.00 Reduced to $220.00!!

 

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12-600 FRAMED ORIGINAL PAINTING - SOLDIERS & THE BRANDENBURG TOR. This is a very touching presentation from a young woman named Liesel. It shows a soldier standing on a battlefield over the grave of a fallen comrade. Beyond this touching scene we can see the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin as German soldiers march off to war. Fire and smoke separate the Gate from the battlefield. Flying over those soldiers on the way to the battlefield is an eagle with an Iron Cross in his beak. The Fatherland is saluting the brave young soldier who has given the last full measure of devotion to his country. A young girl named "Liesel" has added personalization to the painting. At the top she writes "Fata Morgana des Kriegs (Fata Morgana of Wars)" and in the lower right corner she has added "Meinem tapferen Vetter genidtmet (?)* Von seiner Base Liesel (My courageous cousin, ?* From your little girl cousin Liesel)." [We cannot quite figure out this * word or its meaning. As always, we appreciate any help]! The small painting measures 4 1/2" x 6 1/4. It is in a handsome brown period frame that measures 7 1/8" x 9." A small ring at the frame’s top allow one to hang it from the wall. One of the more touching items of its type that I have seen. $295.00 Reduced to $255.00!!

 

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33-137 ENLISTED MAN NAVY MUTZE - II. SEEFLIEGER=ABTEILUNG. This is a very high-quality enlisted man’s mutze from the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial German Navy). It is the dark-blue winter version rather than the white summer mutze. The man served in the aviation unit, II. Seeflieger=Abteilung. The mutze is in fine condition, overall. It shows one small moth nip on the cover’s top, as well as a hint of moth tracking. Attached around its circumference is a cap tally made of black silk. Embossed in silver on the tally’s front is II. Seeflieger=Abteilung II. The cap tally is properly tied to the mutze, which allows the two tails to hang down from the cap’s back. This gives it the name by which it is often referred a "Donald Duck" cap. A single reich’s kokarde appears above the tally, as is correct. The cap’s interior reveals it as a privately-purchased rather than a depot-issued mutze. We see a superior, slightly-used black leather sweatband. The sweatband displays its manufacturer’s name, "Aug. Geiger" and model name, "Taifun-Mutze!" It sports a blue silk liner, which once again displays the manufacturer’s name. The firm had offices in both Kiel and Wilhelmshaven. It is well-put-together mutze for a sailor assigned to an aviation unit. $1,595.00 Reduced to $1,395.00!!

 

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13-617 NAVY OFFICER VISOR CAP BADGE - KAISERLICHE MARINE. This is an officer’s visor cap badge from the Kaiserliche Marine. The badge is made of fine gold, silver, and black bullion. It reveals honest age, yet remains in good, solid condition. It has been worn on, and removed from, a visor cap. $695.00 Reduced to $610.00!!

 

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13-261 NAVY VETERAN'S FLASK. Veteran’s items are always popular, and they are varied, to say the least. In the Army, the more common pieces are: steins, canteens, and pipes. Each of these commemorates the veteran’s service, generally the two years of compulsive service that all German men were expected to do in their late teens or early 20's. In the Navy, the more popular pieces were various drinking vessels, including: steins, flasks, and canteens. Today we offer a very unique flask for a navy veteran. This flask is actually a glass bottle that is covered in leather. It has a black and white cord by which the man could have hung the flask around his neck. On one side of the leather flask we see a gilt-toned Hohenzollern Crown complete with stole, over an anchor with crossed paddles. Just below the anchor is the legend: "1. Werft (Work) Division Kiel." The latter is embossed in silver on the black leather. There is some small loss of leather over the word Werft, but there is no doubt what it was. On the reverse side of the flask are some patriotic phrases regarding his service. A heart-shaped cutout allows you to look into the glass flask to see the sailor’s sweetheart. This is much the same as on a veteran’s stein. There is a lithopane that allows the viewer to hold the stein up to the light and see a sweetheart as well. The top of the flask has a removable jigger. This exposes a screw top that allowed the veteran to access his beverage of choice. Navy items like this are difficult-to-find. This would be a wonderful addition to a navy collection. $450.00 Reduced to $395.00!!

13-543 ANCHOR-SHAPED NAVY BELL COMMEMORATING BATTLESHIP S. M. S. BADEN. This is a wonderful bell that commemorates service on the Battleship S. M. S. Baden. The bell is made of brass and stands 7 1/4" tall. A ring appears at the top (a jump ring, if you will), where the bell was attached to something or just set up on display by itself. A Navy anchor, measuring 4 3/4" wide, sits on top. Under the anchor is the bell itself. The bell measures 2 3/4" in diameter at the base. Engraved on the bell’s side is S. M. S. Baden. The clapper for the bell is securely attached in the interior. It is a very fine veteran’s artifact from one of Germany’s World War I battleships. $495.00 Reduced to $425.00!!

 

 

25-61 NAVY VETERAN ASSOCIATION - TABLE BANNER. This is one of the most interesting veteran’s table banners that I have encountered. It is especially interesting, because it is for a group of naval veterans from WW I and before. The banner’s stand measures 31" tall. It has a brass base, which is dented. A brass rod also in it extends upward. An extension fits into the rod that extends both vertically and horizontally. The horizontal piece features delicate lattice work on which appears an anchor and a sailing ship. The horizontal piece extends out 12 3/4." All of these pieces disassemble, and take a mere thirty seconds to set up again. Attached to the horizontal piece is the banner. The banner is attached by three extensions that come out of the banner’s top. The banner measures 10 1/2" x 10." It is made of hand-woven silk. One side features the Bavarian group’s name. Twin Eagles appear on panels. Below that a rampant Bavarian Lion appears. We also see the date 1930, which is when it was placed in service. The banner actually was for the ladies auxiliary of the veterans’ group. This side has suffered some running of the silk, which is more correctly termed "shredding." It is very common with silk items. You have to remember that the banner is 78-years-old! The banner’s reverse is even more interesting. It recreates one of WW I’s most famous paintings. It is known as "The Last Man." It depicts a German sailor clinging to his ship’s wreckage and thrusting the kriegsflagge defiantly in the air as a ship steams by in the background. This painting was recreated in postcards, etc. during the war. It proclaimed the German sailors’ fighting spirit, and their service to the Fatherland. The scene is encircled by a life preserver that serves as the frame for the painting’s recreation. In gold on the red life preserver is the legend "Marine-Verein Erlangen." Anchors are on all four corners of the banner. It is a very handsome and interesting banner. It would make a superb display item for any collection. It has loads of eye appeal. $1,395.00 Reduced to $1,225.00!!

 

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13-606 STATUE/THERMOMETER SALUTING S. M. S. ILTIS. One of our personal favorite ships was the small Kanonenboot S. M. S. Iltis. The S. M. S. Iltis had one of the most interesting and glorious histories of the Kaiserliche Marine’s ships. Although she was small compared to the High Seas Fleet’s mighty battleships, no vessel had a prouder history or was more honored by Kaiser and country. The S. M. S. Iltis was a small patrol vessel assigned to the fleet protecting Germany’s Chinese interests at the turn of the 20th Century. She was swept up in the 1900/1901 Boxer Rebellion, and involved in an action at the Forts at Taku. In spite of severe battle damage to both ship and crew, the German ship prevailed. Upon hearing news of this victory, Kaiser Wilhelm II was so delighted that he decorated the commander of the S. M. S. Iltis, Wilhelm Lans (1861-1947), with the Orden Pour le Mérite (PLM). (Lans later retired from the Navy as an admiral. He remained a German national hero). The story does not end with Admiral Lans, however. While the Kaiser was very pleased with Lans and the performance of the S. M. S. Iltis’s men, he wanted to do something extra special. The Kaiser presented a PLM to the ship itself! A large version of the PLM was prepared for the vessel and displayed at the jack stand. It is an amazing story. The S. M. S. Iltis first was placed in service in 1898. It was destroyed in September 1914 at Kiautschou shortly after the beginning of WW I, when the Allies took control of Germany’s Chinese colony. [It was during this time that Admiral Graf von Spee lead his East Asian Squadron (of which the S. M. S. Iltis was a part) on an exodus back toward Germany. The voyage led to a German victory over the British fleet off the coast of Chile. Not long afterwards, at the Battle of Falkland Island, Graf von Spee, his two young sons, and the German Fleet were destroyed in December 1914]. A statue (a smaller replica of which we are offering today) was erected to memorialize the men and the S. M. S. Iltis. The replica stands 15 1/2" high and is 10 1/2" at its widest point. It shows a woman on a ship during a storm. The ship is noted as "La Fortune." On the front is a thermometer which measures temperature in both centigrade and Kelvin scales. Some mercury is in the thermometer, but I do not know how accurate it is in measuring temperature. The statue is made of a base metal, with an intriguing patina. It would make a fine addition to any collection. $695.00  Reduced to $595.00!!

 

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13-695 NAVY OFFICER BINOCULARS. This is a very rare set of Modell 09 3 ½ x 52 Officer’s Binoculars as used aboard the Kaiserliche Marine’s ships. These actually date from the 1910 to 1914 period, and would have been used during WW I. They are made of brass to prevent corrosion when used onboard ship. A black coating was originally applied over the brass. Much of this coating has vanished into history, and the brass finish is clearly visible. They were produced by the Emil Busch firm from Rathenow. The optics are quite clear and can be used, if one desires. The original leather strap is present, (but not so their storage case). One side of the binoculars (next to the lens barrel) clearly displays the "M" for Marine (Navy), topped by a Hohenzollern Crown. The opposite side bears the serial number 6086. It is only the second pair of Navy binoculars that I have ever offered. They are quite pleasing, with a lot of character. $1,650.00 Reduced to $1,450.00!

 

 

13-653 GAUGE - UB 59. This is a gauge from UB-59. The UB 59 was a Type-III U-Boot. She was commissioned in August 1917. During her career, she sank a total of seven ships and damaged another two. She made five war patrols during her career. She was attached to Flandern I Flotilla. Her final commander of record was Erwin Waßner (1887-1937), an Oberleutnant zur See. He was an Orden Pour le Mérite winner, which was awarded to him in March 1918 while he commanded UB-59. During the nearly 2 ½ years he commanded U-Boats, Waßner was responsible for sinking EIGHTY-SIX vessels (equal to 150,000 tons). The UB 59 was scuttled on 5 October 1918, when the Germans abandoned Belgian naval operation bases. She was scuttled at Zeebrugge. Her final resting place was at 51.19N and 03.12E. Her wreck was discovered in 2002. A number of parts were removed from her by divers from Belgium. This gauge has undergone a restoration and cleaning since she lay in the North Sea for eighty-four years. The gauge, which I understand is a speedometer, is circular. It measures 8 3/4" in diameter, and is 4 3/4" thick. It is made of brass (which is why it survived all these years under the sea), and weighs a substantial 13 pounds and 2 ounces. The gauge has a glass cover. Its dial reads: "Zurück Voraus," with different fields of measurement. Below that is "Umläufe i.d. Min." The gauge’s exterior features numerous markings which include "S. TEL.71.255." on the upper lid and "255" above and below the "S. TEL.71." Elsewhere a crowned "M" (for Marine) and a trident appear. All this clearly demonstrates it is a naval-issued item. I have been unable to open the lid on the gauge’s face, which is not surprising. Three points appear on the gauge’s bottom where it was bolted to the bulkhead. A screwed attachment also appears where the cables that would have supplied power to the gauge were cut. This is a wonderful artifact that comes from a U-Boat commanded by a PLM-winner. [Extra shipping will be required due to this item’s size and weight]. $2,295.00 Reduced to $1,995.00!!

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13-657 CONTROL BOX - BRIDGE AREA - UB 59. The UB 59 was a Type-III U-Boot. She was commissioned in August 1917. During her career, she sank a total of seven ships and damaged another two. She made five war patrols during her career. She was attached to Flandern I Flotilla. Her final commander of record was Erwin Waßner (1887-1937), an Oberleutnant zur See. He was an Orden Pour le Mérite winner, which was awarded to him in March 1918 while he commanded UB-59. During the nearly 2 ½ years he commanded U-Boats, Waßner was responsible for sinking EIGHTY-SIX vessels (equal to 150,000 tons). The UB 59 was scuttled on 5 October 1918, when the Germans abandoned Belgian naval operation bases. She was scuttled at Zeebrugge. Her final resting place was at 51.19N and 03.12E. Her wreck was discovered in 2002. A number of parts were removed from her by divers from Belgium. Today we are offering a control box from the UB 59's bridge area. The box is made of brass. It measures 5 1/4" x 5 ½" x 3 ½." It weighs 7 pounds and 1 ounce. The box has a large handle which permits the box to be opened. On the handle we see the markings "700," "8," a crowned "M," "11," and two tridents. Another crowned "M" appears on the bottom of the box, along with a "B." Four attachments appear where it once was attached to a bulkhead. Another "B" shows near one of these attachments. Its rubber gasket is still present. The box’s interior is empty. Two inlets/outlets show, from which copper wires once extended. [Extra shipping will be required due to this item’s size and weight]. $995.00 Reduced to $875.00!!

14-342 SILVER-PLATED REMEMBRANCE BOX - BAVARIAN ARMY COMMEMORATIVE ARMY PILOT BADGE. This is a high-quality, silver-plated remembrance box from a WW I Bavarian Army Pilot. The box stands on four balled feet, and measures 5 1/4" x 6 3/4" x 2 1/4." The box’s top displays a full-sized Bavarian Commemorative Army Pilot Badge. It is a superior quality, highly-detailed badge. Commemorative Pilot Badges were worn by men who were no longer on active flying status. It is often called the "Retired Pilot’s Badge." [As an aside, I have seen photographs of Hermann Göring wearing a Commemorative Pilot Badge in the 1930's before the Luftwaffe’s establishment]. As we raise the box’s lid, we find it is lined with cedar. This probably means this box was used as a cigarette or cigar box. The inside top lid has the name Racke and the date 1835 on the wood. A manufacturer’s marking appears on the silver edge on its bottom. The marking is a "W" above the letter "MF." These are all enclosed within a bullet-shape. The "point" of the bullet (above the "W" has a number of lines drawn across it). On the opposite side of the box’s bottom is the number "70." The box has a very heavy patina. In speaking with the previous owner, he indicated that he has polished the box in the past. It has been awhile since he has done so. If you decide to polish it, the box will have a brilliant exterior. If you do not polish it and allow the patina to increase, it will become darker and, in my opinion, more handsome. Regardless of how you decide to use or display this beautiful box, it will make a first-rate addition to your collection! $695.00 Reduced to $595.00!!

 

 

14-338 BAVARIAN VETERAN FLYERS’ ASSOCIATION - GOLD HONOR STICKPIN - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE. This is an ultra-rare Gold Honor Stickpin from the Bavarian Veteran Flyers Association. The stickpin’s obverse features a blue enameled center, with the Fliegertruppen’s winged propeller. It is housed in a GOLD frame sporting a GOLD Wittelsbach Crown. The knurled pin also is made of GOLD. The reverse sports hallmarking for a firm in Munich. It also is hallmarked for .575 (14 K) GOLD. This gorgeous stickpin is housed in an ORIGINAL leatherette presentation case, which measures 3 3/4" x 1 1/4." A similar stickpin without a presentation case (but with the document) sold in Hermann Historica’s April 2008 auction for $5,700.00. $3,850.00 Reduced to $3,375.00!!

 

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14-340 ENAMEL AUSTRIAN PATRIOTIC PIN - MONOPLANE. We rarely find Austrian patriotic jewelry. When we do, it generally is of very high quality. This is the case with our circular, wreath-shaped pin. At its top is an enameled Austro-Hungarian Empire flag. At the wreath’s bottom is a black-enameled Iron Cross. Through its center is a monoplane. The quality and detail to the pin is amazing. $395.00 Reduced to $350.00!!

 

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14-319 BAVARIAN AVIATION STICKPIN. This is an unusual, aviation-related, Bavarian stickpin. The badge it is based on generally is portrayed as a mobilization badge used in 1914 before WW I’s beginning. A legitimate Prussian flight badge also employs the same theme. While I have not seen the Bavarian mobilization badge, I feel this stickpin is the same variation. The miniature badge atop the stickpin measures 1" x 1/2." Its Wittelsbach Crown is open and of amazingly high quality. The pin is knurled, which is typical of high-grade stickpins. It is hallmarked on the reverse for the firm Lerch. It is also hallmarked for silber and .950. This is an ultra-high-quality stickpin that I first owned about ten years ago, and recently reacquired it. $475.00 Reduced to $415.00!!

 

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14-312 CLOCK IN AIRPLANE PROPELLER’S CENTER. Today we offer a rather unusual piece. It is constructed from pieces of a propeller. The main piece is the propeller’s center, including the hub. The main piece measures 15 ½" x 8" x 4 ½." A circular brass disc measures 6 ½" in diameter. Six large bolts appear on the disc. In the center of the disc is a space that measures 2 ½" in diameter. Inside this space a small alarm clock has been installed that measures 2 3/4" in diameter. The central portion of the display rests on four pieces of propeller that have been fashioned into legs. These four legs are in turn attached to the base, which is also a part of a propeller. The stand is 15 ½" x 5 1/4" x 3/4." On the stand, the propeller display is 15 3/4" tall. It is a rather impressive piece. The graining to the various parts of the propeller that have been glued together is quite handsome. The alarm clock does tick when I wind it. I am unable to set it, however. Thus, we must consider this a static display, unless the new owner wants to tinker with the eliciting clock or replace it with another. In a manner of speaking, this might be considered an offshoot of trench art. That said, it is VERY unusual to see such a large piece like this. It is very striking to look at. For you aviation collectors, it is a nifty piece. $1,195.00 Reduced to $1,050.00!!

 

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16-330 INTERNATIONAL PILOT LICENSE - WW I GERMAN PILOT. Very careful records were kept as a German pilot went through his training process, particularly in the form of log books and other training school documentation. When a pilot completed his course of study, he was awarded a document allowing him to wear a pilot’s (Flugzeugführer) badge (Abzeichen) on his tunic. He was also issued an international pilot’s license. This was first awarded before WW I began. It identified internationally approved pilots who were free to move from country to country with their aircraft. Today we are very pleased to be offering such a license. The document/booklet measures 4 1/4" x 2 3/4." It is covered in blue leather. Embossed in gold on its outer cover is "Deutschland - Flugzeugführer." The pilot was required to carry it whenever he was flying, much as we must carry driving licenses today. The document’s left side gives the particulars about the holder and the aircraft that he has been certified to fly. First, we see that this is license #5559 from Germany. Interestingly, the document is written in both German and French! The pilot is named Carl Baars. He was born 22 March 1889. The license confirms that he can fly biplanes. It was issued on 12 July 1918. So, Baars was twenty-nine when he completed his pilot training. He was a lot older than many pilots of the day. Most were teenagers or in their early twenties. On the document’s right is a photograph of Baars standing in front of an airplane. I cannot identify what type of plane is behind him. [Perhaps one of our sharp-eyed readers can help us here]! His signature appears below his photograph. Stampings over the photo and signature confirm their originality. The natural question now arises: what kind of plane did he fly? I can find no mention that a Carl Baars had a confirmed victory in a single-seater aircraft. So, he may have flown an observation or ground attack airplane. The next question is, what happened to him and did he survive the war? This, I can answer. Enclosed with the book is a note from a newspaper where his widow, Marie Baars, thanked well-wishers after his death in November 1963. Carl survived both world wars and lived to the ripe old age of seventy-four! Attached to the notice is a small ribbon for Infanterie-Regiment Nr 77 (2. Hannoversches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 77). It has the dates 1813-1963 and a Hohenzollern Eagle. It is trimmed in black and safety-pinned to the death notice. We can presume that it was his regiment (garrisoned in Celle) before he applied for flight training in 1918. Are you a researcher? These are some good tools to learn more about this man. Pilot licenses are very rare. I have only seen one or two before. It is a fantastic document for an aviation collection. $995.00 Reduced to $875.00!!

 

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This magnificent grouping’s final component is an autographed, framed photograph of Prinz Heinrich in a Großadmiral’s uniform. (Perhaps it is this very tunic. A prince of the realm, however, certainly had more than one tunic)! The photograph depicts Prinz Heinrich seated, in left-faced profile. The dates Prinz Heinrich commanded the Baltic Fleet against the Russians are listed, along with the dedication and signature (in bold black ink). The dates are 2 August 1914 to 24 January 1918. Although his fleet was not as extensive as the one engaged with the British, Heinrich and his commanders were effective against the larger Russian Fleet. Prinz Heinrich is wearing a Pour le Mérite around his throat in the photograph. He also is wearing an extensive ribbon bar on his left breast and a 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon in his lapel’s buttonhole. A Großadmiral’s highly-ornate, gold bullion braid is clearly visible on his sleeve.
The handsome wooden frame boasts an unusual, silver-embossed, royal insignia at its top. A swing away easel on the reverse holds the frame in place on flat surfaces. The frame’s Hamburg production firm also appears on the reverse. The frame measures 11 1/4" x 8½." The photograph within the frame measures 8" x 6 1/4."

Prinz Heinrich was one of Prussia’s most popular royals during Imperial Germany’s waning days. He was rivaled only by his brother, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and his nephew, Kronprinz Wilhelm. He was an very effective commander. This grouping could serve as any Kaiserliche Marine or Imperial German collection’s centerpiece. $28,995.00 Reduced to $25,495.00!!

 

 

15-240 FELDGRAU KLEINER ROCK FOR A MAJOR IN KÜRAßIER-REGIMENT Nr 4 - PRUSSIA. This is one of the most exciting tunics we have offered in quite awhile. It is known as a "Kleiner Rock." This is a handsome, identified tunic for an officer in an armored cavalry regiment. The officer was assigned to Küraßier-Regiment von Dreisen (Westfälisches) Nr 4. This elite regiment was one of the older cavalry regiments. It was raised in 1717 and garrisoned at Münster. The feldgrau tunic is set up as a litewka, a tunic that has a double row of buttons instead of a single row. This tunic is in EXTRAORDINARY condition. The tunic was probably produced in 1914 prior to the beginning of the war. The material is rich and buttery-smooth, and of the highest quality. Some of the feldgrau material available later in the war (even to officers) had a much rougher weave. It just did not have that superior prewar texture. The exterior’s condition is faultless. I can see no mothing whatsoever. As previously stated, this is the litewka tunic style, with a double row of six, silver buttons. A line of red trim accents the cuffs (with no buttons), collar, and the edge of the flap, etc. The collar features white collar tabs trimmed in red, with a large silver button on each tab. The collar itself is a contrasting darker green, which is quite distinct from the tunic’s feldgrau. A major’s shoulder boards are vibrantly in place, with a red and white underlay. On the tunic’s obverse are a set of sewn-in loops for a ribbon bar. This accommodates a ribbon bar of six to eight places. Immediately below that are two more sets of sewn-in loops. This would have been for a 1914 Iron Cross 1^st Class and one other pinback award. It could have been a wound badge, or an Iron Cross 1^st Class equivalent from another state. The tunic’s reverse carries forward the obverse’s red trim. No buttons are on the tunic’s reverse. Inside the tunic in a pocket is a tailor’s label identifying the original owner as Freiherr von Landsberg. In a copy of the 1914 Rangeliste von Landsberg was listed as a rittmeister in Küraßier-Regiment von Dreisen (Westfälisches) Nr 4. In looking through the list of officers EVERY one of them was a nobleman. No fewer than FIVE other barons were in that regiment. One small "problem" exists. On the officer’s shoulder boards the silver buttons holding them down are mismatched. One button is an 18mm button and the other is a 16mm. If this is the worst problem one can find on this tunic, I think it shows the condition and quality that we offer. $4,995.00 . Reduced to $4,395.00!!

 

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15-417 HAUPTMANN TUNIC - LUFTSCHIFFER-BATTALION - PRUSSIA. This is a hauptmann’s pre-World War I tunic from a Luftschiffer-Battalion (or possibly on staff). A total of five battalions was founded in the Prussian Army between 1884 and 1913. Obviously the Luftschiffer-Battalion (Nr 1), founded in 1884, initially depended on gas balloons, until Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin developed the first motorized airship. The next four battalions were founded in 1911 and 1913. All of these pre-WW I battalions were Prussian, although Luftschiffer Battalion Nr 2 had one Saxon Kompagnie and Luftschiffer-Battalion Nr 4 fielded a single Kompagnie from Württemberg. These five battalions were scattered in the Garde-Korps, I. ArmeeKorps, VIII. ArmeeKorps, and XIV. ArmeeKorps. [We should note that Bavaria, who often followed its own path, combined Luftschiffer and Kraftfahr Kompagnies into a single battalion. The unit was assigned to the I. Bavarian ArmeeKorps. It was also founded in 1911].Our tunic’s body is dunkel-blau (dark-blue). Red trim appears at the collar, sleeves, and down the tunic’s center near the buttons. The buttons are all silver-toned. The standard eight buttons appear down the tunic’s front. Two buttons also show on each sleeve in the front. The collar boasts massive, embroidered, bullion leitzen. Two smaller, embroidered, silver bullion leitzen are also on the sleeves. The sleeves are made of black velvet. The silver bullion shows off handsomely against that background. The shoulder boards each have a hauptmann’s twin, gilt pips, as well as a gilt stylized "L" for Luftschiffer. The shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety, with a red underlay. No battalion number shows on the "L" cypher. This leads me to believe that the officer was not directly assigned to a battalion, but may have been on the staff of either a Brigade, Division, or ArmeeKorps. It is even possible that he served on the general staff. Naturally, as WW I began, more battalions were formed, as was the case with every other type of army unit. The tunic’s chest reveals two horizontal sets of loops, either for two ribbon bars, or a ribbon bar and a decoration with a horizontal rather than a vertical pin. The loops measure 1 1/4" for the top, and 1" for the bottom. The tunic’s reverse sports red trim at the vent flap, along with six more silver-toned buttons. Inside the tunic is a fairly-standard, black, silk officer’s lining. No identification appears for the owner or the tailor shop that produced the tunic. This is a handsome tunic with no apparent signs of mothing, in beautiful condition. It is a very rare and desirable item. $3,495.00 Reduced to $3,075.00!!

  

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15-485 INTERIM ATTILA - RITTMEISTER - 1. LEIB-HUSAREN-REGIMENT Nr 1 - PRUSSIA. This is a wonderful rittmeister’s Interim Attila from 1. Leib-Husaren-Regiment Nr 1. The regiment was founded in 1741 and garrisoned at Danzig-Langfuhr. It was attached to the XVII ArmeeKorps. The regiment, along with the Regiment der Garde du Corps, was arguably the most famous of all the Prussian cavalry regiments. It had two very famous members in Kronprinz Wilhelm (seen in this uniform and the regiment’s Totenkopf busby), and Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen. [Von Mackensen’s stern visage was commonly seen beneath the regiment’s busby. He had been a young leutnant in 2. Leib-Husaren-Regiment Nr 2 during the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War. Later, he commanded the 1. Leib-Husaren-Regiment Nr 1, and a brigade consisting of both regiments]. The tunic is in prime condition. It is black, with silver tresses and silver frogging, as well as silver rosette and barrel buttons. A pair of small slash pockets is placed in the tunic’s front for holding small items. The tunic’s exterior is in excellent condition, with no problems. The tresses and frogging’s silver bullion is fresh and brilliant. The shoulder boards are sewn onto the tunic. Each sports a rittmeister’s twin gilt pips. Each shoulder board is further adorned by a simple, domed, silver button. Its reverse is equally ornate, with a repeat of the silver bullion trim and a fine pair of silver rosette buttons. There is a 1 1/2" tear in the seam of the right sleeve. (this can easily be repaired) The tunic’s interior is lined in black silk. Some age shows here, and perhaps a repair or two. It is not a major problem. This would make an excellent addition to any collection. $2,995.00 Reduced to $2,625.00!!

15-487 LEUTNANT M-1915 FELDGRAU FRIEDENSUNIFORM (TUNIC) - PIONIER-BATTALION Nr 6 - PRUSSIA. This is a first class tunic of the M-1915 Feldgrau Friedensuniform (rock) variety. It is a very rare tunic. The M-1915 Friedensuniform was first authorized on 21 September 1915 by the War Ministry. Feldgrau tunics first entered into service in various units beginning in 1907. As WW I neared the end of its first year, the German Army’s rapid expansion placed a major strain on the resources needed to produce stockpiles of blue uniform material. The need for standardization was obvious. It was this mandate in September 1915 that created the “Future Peace Time Uniform.” The uniform style was quite ornate. Not long after the change had been ordered, it was abandoned for a simpler, easier-to-produce tunic that was less expensive. The M-1915 Friedensuniform was the high water mark for Imperial German feldgrau tunics. In his excellent book The German Army in the First World War, Jürgen Kraus describes the uniform (with photos), on page 158. We are very pleased to offer such a tunic to you today. It is for a leutnant from Schlesisches Pionier-Battalion Nr 6. The unit was founded in 1816 and garrisoned at Neiße. It was attached to the VI. ArmeeKorps. The tunic’s body is a buttery, high-quality wool in the classic feldgrau color. It sports a single row of eight silver-toned buttons. Red piping runs down the center, appears at the collar, and on the cuffs. The very elaborate collar boasts black velvet over which massive silver leitzen are laid. The patina on the silver bullion is most impressive. The same theme is carried forward on the cuffs. Each cuff has two silver bullion lietzen. In turn, each leitzen features a silver-toned button attached to it. As with the collar, the leitzen are laid over immaculate black velvet. The second button hole from the top has the ribbon for the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class in it. No loops appear on the left breast for any other decorations or badges. The shoulder boards are for a leutnant and are sewn in. Each board is trimmed in red and black for a Pionier-Battalion, and bears the numeral “6" for Schlesisches Pionier-Battalion Nr 6. A smaller silver-toned button is mounted on each shoulder board. The tunic’s reverse has red piping at the vent flap, with a further six silver-toned buttons on the flaps (three per side). The tunic’s interior is in excellent condition, and is fully complete. To our eyes, it appears to be a heavy silk weave that stands up to wear more easily. The tunic exterior’s condition is VERY fine. A couple of small moth nips may exist, but you have to look hard to find them. There is some minor moth tracking on the left sleeve, which is hardly noticable. Without a doubt, this is one of the finest feldgrau tunics I have ever offered. It was manufactured at a time when Germany still had the resources to produce such excellent quality. $5,995.00 Reduced to $5,275.00!!

 

 

15-443 LEUTNANT ULANKA - FULL PARADE CONFIGURATION - ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 19 - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is a leutnant’s ulanka from Ulanen-Regiment König Karl (1. Württ.) Nr 19. The regiment was founded in 1683. It was garrisoned at Ulm-Wiblingen, where it was attached to the XIII. ArmeeKorps, which consisted of mostly Württemberg regiments. The regiment was the senior of the two Württemberg Ulanen-Regiments. [The second of the two regiments from Württemberg was Ulanen-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (2. Württ.). It was not established until 1809. It was garrisoned at Ludwigsburg, where it was also attached to the XIII. ArmeeKorps]. The ulanka has a dark-blue body, with a double row of seven (fourteen total) silver buttons. The collar features massive silver bullion leitzen, which display a lustrous patina. The sleeves are red. Each sleeve sports a single silver bullion leitzen. On this leitzen is mounted a small silver button. The epaulettes are the dress version of shoulder boards, and resemble banjos, hence their nickname, "Banjo Boards." Each of the epaulettes has a silver frame and König Karl of Württemberg’s gilt, crowned royal cypher. These epaulettes are of the slip-on variety. Each displays a small silver button. One of the very important and attractive features of the ulanka is that it comes complete with the red parade plasteron. This attachment is V-shaped. It buttons onto the tunic’s front and is secured by the fourteen silver buttons. The contrast of the red plasteron against the dark-blue tunic is quite striking. It matches the sleeves in a most handsome manner. The tunic ‘s reverse features red piping, with a total of ten, large, silver buttons in the vent area serving as decoration. The tunic’s interior reveals a fine, black, silk liner. Some scattered moth nips appear on the tunic, mostly on the front and toward the bottom on both sides. There is also a period repair on the reverse. It has a bit more mothing than we normally prefer, but this does not detract from the tunic’s overall beauty. It is such an elite regiment. It was THE oldest Ulanen-Regiment in the entire German Army! $3,895.00 Reduced to $3,425.00!!

 

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15-254 TUNIC FOR ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER - JÄGER - BATTALION Nr 10 - PRUSSIA. This is a very fine tunic from an elite unit with a long and proud history. This very rare tunic comes from Hannoverisches Jäger-Battalion Nr 10. The unit was raised in 1803 and garrisoned at Goslar. Prior to the beginning of WW I it was assigned to the X. Armeekorps. This was the only jäger battalion in the Kingdom of Hannover’s Army. It was an elite rifle unit that was greatly prized by Wellington, along with his own 92^nd Rifles, for its members’ marksmanship. These troops were an important part of the skirmishers sent out in advance of the regular infantry. Their marksmanship helped eliminate officers and interfered with the command and control of the French troops they opposed. This unit proudly served throughout the Peninsula campaign and at Waterloo with the Duke of Wellington. Like the other Hanoverian regiments, Hannoverisches Jäger-Battalion Nr 10 was absorbed into the Prussian Army in 1866, after Hannover’s defeat when they sided with Austria against Prussia. Even though Hanoverian infantry, cavalry, artillery, jäger, and pionier units were redesignated as Prussian units, they retained a strong sense of pride in their roots as native sons of Hannover. In the late 1890's this was recognized by Kaiser Wilhelm II. He then allowed these units to wear bandeaux for the battle honors that they had achieved while under the flag of Hannover. This small gesture meant a great deal to the troops. From that day until the end of the empire, they could be distinguished from other Prussian units by the wearing of these bandeaux on their parade headdress. The tunic we are offering today is a wonderful example of a pre WW I tunic for this particular unit. The body of this tunic is green. (This was similar to the elite English 92^nd Rifles Regiment). It not only distinguished them from other infantry troops, but helped them blend in with the landscape that they were skulking through. The tunic has a single row of eight, gilt-toned buttons, along with gilt buttons at the sleeve, shoulder straps, and rear vent. The sleeves and collar are red, with silver bullion trim. Each of the shoulder straps are red, with the battalion number in yellow. Also attached to each of the shoulder boards are buttons with a "1" on them for the 1^st Kompagnie of the Battalion. Perhaps the most striking detail of this tunic is a cuff title on the right cuff for "Gibraltar." Only Hannoverisches Jäger-Battalion Nr 10, Fußilier-Regiment Generalfeldmarschall Prinz Albrecht von Preußen (Hannoversches) Nr 73, and Infantrie-Regiment von Voigts-Rhetz (3. Hannoversches) Nr 79 were permitted to wear this cuff title on their tunics! As a matter of fact, these three regiments were the ONLY three in the entire German Army to wear any sort of cuff title. [Infantrie-regiment Nr 79 was actually not created until 1838, so I do not fully understand why that regiment was permitted to wear the cuff title]. In any event, you can understand what an honor it was to be in these units, and to be allowed to wear the cuff titles that showed the distinction of Hanoverian units in the Peninsula campaign. The cuff title is a dark blue. The word "Gibraltar" appears in yellow. Needless to say, it is very striking, and speaks to the tradition of Hannoverisches Jäger-Battalion Nr 10. The condition of the tunic is astounding. I am not sure that I can detect even the hint of a moth nip on it. This tunic was a private purchase. It has the officer’s style silk liner, with no hints of depot markings. This is a very rare tunic to an elite regiment, in sparkling condition. $2,295.00 Reduced to $1,995.00!!

 

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15-418 ENLISTED MAN TUNIC - SHOOTING LANYARD - INFANTRIE-REGIMENT Nr 135 - PRUSSIA. This is an enlisted man’s tunic from the 3 Lothringisches Infantrie-Regiment Nr 135. The regiment was formed in 1887. It was garrisoned at Diedenhofen, where it was attached to the XVI. ArmeeKorps. The tunic features a dark-blue wool exterior. It sports a red collar and red trim down the tunic’s center. It also has red sleeves, with three gilt-toned buttons per sleeve, and a thin band of yellow piping. There is some slight moth tracking on the right kuff. Eight gilt-toned buttons run down the tunic’s center. The yellow (matching the sleeves’ trim) shoulder straps display the regimental designation in red. A shooting lanyard is attached from the right shoulder strap to the second button. It is also important to know that the man was assigned to the regiment’s Kompagnie Nr 7. The tunic’s reverse exhibits a vent flap with a total of six gilt-toned buttons. Some light scattered moth nips mark the tunic’s front and back. Inside the tunic is an officer’s style silk liner. This is a high-quality, privately-purchased tunic, not a lesser-quality, depot-issued tunic. The tunic is bargain-priced. It also has the man’s shooting lanyard attached. $695.00   Reduced to $595.00!!

 

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20-211KAISERIN AUGUSTA VIKTORIA RINGKRAGEN (GORGET) AS REGIMENTAL CHEF - PRUSSIAN KÜRAßIER-REGIMENT Nr 2 IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX. Today we are offering Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria’s ringkragen (gorget) as Regimental Chef of Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria (1858-1921) was Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany’s wife. She was born in Schleswig-Holstein. She married Kronprinz Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) in 1881. She bore him an heir in 1882, who was also to be a Kronprinz Wilhelm. This lad never achieved Germany’s throne, since the monarchy fell in 1918. He instead became a "Pretender," when his father died in 1941. Augusta Viktoria gave the Kaiser a total of six sons and one daughter. She worshiped her husband and he adored her. They were very close. When Wilhelm II abdicated his throne in 1918, she joined him in exile to the Netherlands at Haus (Huis Doorn). This is where she died in 1921. Her body was returned to Germany, where it was buried at Berlin’s Neu Palais (New Palace). The Kaiser was not afforded the same privilege. When he died in 1941, he was buried at Haus Doorn, where he remains today in a special crypt on the grounds of the estate not far from where many of his beloved Dachshunds are also buried. It was customary in Imperial Germany for certain elite regiments to be honored with a royal patron who assumed the position of its honorary oberst and Regimental Chef. The Kaiserin was the Regimental Chef of Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. The regiment was founded in 1717. It was garrisoned at Pasewalk, where it was attached to the II. ArmeeKorps. This very special regiment was considered one of the leading küraßier-regiments. The regiment played a major role in the Battle of Hohenfriedberg, which took place on 4 June 1745. The Prussian Army was led by Frederick II himself. It faced a combined force of Austrians and Saxons in a decisive battle for Silesia (in today’s Poland). As a result of the battle, Frederick II was acknowledged as "Frederick the Great." Also, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 was granted the right to wear a bandeau on their headdress proclaiming "Hohenfriedberg 4 Juni 1745." This was quite an honor. Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 was the Prussian Army’s only cavalry or infantry regiment to be so honored. Most headdresses that carry bandeaux come from the former Kingdom of Hannover and the Duchy of Braunschweig. Not only did Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria serve as Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2's Regimental Chef, but her son, Kronprinz Wilhelm, served in that regiment as an Oberst à la Suite. (We recently sold the Kronprinz’s personal helmet from the regiment). Having a woman as the Regimental Chef presented a number of interesting "problems," especially for a regiment like Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. When a Regimental Chef rode with "his" regiment, he normally assumed the regiment’s complete uniform, including the tunic, trousers, headdress, etc. Since it was a Küraßier-Regiment, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 members naturally wore küraßes for parades. [With Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2, this was a gilt küraß similar to the Regiment der Garde du Corps, "the Kaiser’s Own." Kaiser Wilhelm II was the Regiment der Garde du Corps’ Regimental Chef]. Anatomically, it was awkward for a woman to wear a küraß (breast plate). This problem was sidestepped by allowing the Kaiserin to wear only the regiment’s ringkragen. The Kaiserin also wore a tricorn hat with feathers as opposed to a spiked helmet when she rode with her regiment as seen in an image of her from a painting where she is actually wearing the gorget that we offer today. Along with the küraß the regiment’s officers wore a ringkragen (gorget), a shield-like plate suspended from a chain. It was an important accessory of an officer’s dress uniform. They are quite rare. In Germany, an example from this regiment easily fetches $12,000.00+ when in fine condition. It is a simply amazing piece. Without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting German royalty items we have ever offered. The ringkragen, as previously mentioned, is shaped like a shield. It measures 5 1/2" x 5" at its widest point. Its edge is trimmed in brass. It has a mirror-like surface of polished, silver-toned metal. In the center is a beautifully hand painted, black and gold Hohenzollern Eagle on a red background. Two to three very small stress fractures appear. I cannot tell if this is in the enamel, or if it is a glass covering that has the cracks. [I will try to highlight them as best as I can in the accompanying photographs. They are NOT detractive to the overall presentation]. The Eagle is framed, with green enamel leaves on the sides. Coming from the right and left sides are what appear to be furled flags. The flags are made of silver. The tips of the banners are gold-toned. Beneath this are four crossed cannons and the date "1745." It is just stunning. The detail is breathtaking. The gorget’s reverse is sumptuously lined in a luxuriant, superior-quality, purple velvet. Naturally, the color indicates the wearer is a member of royalty. No regular officer from the regiment would have his gorget lined with the same material! Rather officer's gorgets were lined with a carmine red which is vastly different from this color. Four brass nuts with washers secure the gorget’s front portion to the reverse. The bottom sports an upward-swept clip that allows it to be attached to a garment. Most interesting of all is a horizontal pin, which measures 2 3/4." This pin is GOLD. [In the photographs accompanying the description you will see photos of a "normal" regimental officer’s gorget. Please note the varied differences, including the horizontal pin on the Kaiserin’s version, and the difference in the backing material]. We are also including a photograph of a period oil painting showing the Kaiserin riding with her regiment. She is wearing the ringkragen. You will now understand why the horizontal pin is present on her gorget. Since she did not wear a küraß, the ringkragen is pinned to her "tunic." The tunic is also different from what the regiment wore, since it was for a woman (and a royal one at that). She is riding a horse sidesaddle. The tunic almost appears to be more like a blouse, but it is very similar to the regiment’s tunic in overall construction and design. The chain accompanying the gorget is also quite amazing. It measures 18 1/2" in length. It is far different from an officer’s version, as you will note from the photographs. The chain is linked and intertwined. The connecting hardware is similar to what you might see on a high-quality neck chain. Its ends are undoubtedly GOLD. I am still unsure if the chain is GOLD or brass. The chain’s backing is the same high quality purple velvet as is found on the ringkragen’s back. The gorget and all of its supporting materials are made of the highest quality materials. No expense was spared. The ensemble is in sparkling condition. It comes in a fitted box that has helped preserve its condition for more than one-hundred-years. The box measures 5 3/4" x 5 1/4." It is made of black leatherette. The box is structurally sound, although normal wear can be seen on it. Inside, we see a pink silk liner on the upper half, and a matching, pale-rose, flocked velvet on the lower half. Pasted on the pale rose material of the box’s lower half is "C. E. Juncker, Berlin Sw., Alte Jacobstrasse 13. Militair-Effecten-Fabrik." Many people think that C. E. Juncker produced only flight badges. Nothing could have been further from the truth. While they did produce the finest flight badges, they also produced a wide variety of items including metal helmets, uniform items, etc. When this fine firm was commissioned to produce the ringkragen, they went all out to ensure that the Kaiserin received the best, regardless of cost. One final detail is a small piece of paper that measures 6" x 5 1/8," and has been folded in half. In black ink is the simple description that this item was the property of her majesty, Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria. It was pierced and held in place by the GOLD pin on the ringkragen’s reverse. I removed it for the photographs, and have returned it to the state in which I received it. While Kaiser Wilhelm II had closets of uniforms and the effects that went with them, items that are military-related for women are very rare. This is a true piece of history. We are delighted to share it with you today. $34,495.00 Reduced to $30,350.00!!

 

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15-471 OFFICER SABERTACHE - HUSAREN-REGIMENT Nr 12 - PRUSSIA. This is a complete officer’s sabertache from Thüringisches Husaren-Regiment Nr 12. The regiment was founded in 1791. It was garrisoned at Torgau, where it was assigned to the IV. ArmeeKorps. The sabertache was a unique part of a Husaren-Regiment member’s dress uniform. It was a decorative item that hung from a belt. It looks a bit like a messenger’s pouch, but its shape is more of an elongated rectangle. It measures 7" at the top and 9 1/2" at the bottom. It measures 11 1/2" in height. The sabertache’s frame is made of fine red leather. Its front features a light-blue field that matches the tunic’s color as it was worn by the regiment’s officers. Silver bullion tape is applied to three of its sides. Its center displays a crowned cypher. Three leather straps are attached to the sabertache’s top and serve as hangers. Each strap features two decorative gilt lions’ heads. At the hangers’ top is an attachment where the sabertache was suspended from the officer’s belt. Inside, the sabertache (it swings open) reveals more hand-tooled leather. A flap opens up where the officer could store papers, documents, or other small items that were not terribly thick. Inside the flap the name "Levetzow" is marked twice again. This is clearly an item from the same man (above) who owned the attila and trousers. Decent officer’s sabertaches are very difficult-to-find. This one is complete and in very good condition. $2,495.00 Reduced to $2,195.00!!

 

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15-303 PAIR OF M-1915 GENERAL COLLAR TABS- PRUSSIA. This is a pair of collar tabs (leitzen) for a general in the Prussian Army. These same leitzen were used by all German Generals from all states, EXCEPT the Bavarians. These boards show gold embroidered thread, where Bavarian boards sport silver. They are in the M-1915 style, which is subdued and used on feldgrau tunics as opposed to the pre WW I dark blue. They make an exciting addition to any collection and a pair general shoulder boards would make a fine companion to general shoulder boards or other items related to a general officer. $995.00 Reduced to $825.00!!

 

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15-401 ULANKA PARADE PLASTERON - ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 11, ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 15, OR ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 20 - PRUSSIA AND WÜRTTEMBERG. This is a lemon-yellow, parade plasteron, which was correct for Ulanen-Regiment Graf Haesler (2. Brandenburgisches) Nr 11. The regiment was founded in 1860 and garrisoned at Saarburg. It was assigned to the XXI. ArmeeKorps. It also was correct for Schleswig-Holsteinsches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 15. The regiment was founded six years later, in 1866. It also was garrisoned at Saarburg and assigned to the XXI. ArmeeKorps. In addition it would be correct for Ulanen-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (2. Württ.) Nr 20. This regiment was founded in 1809 and was garrisoned at Ludwigsburg. It was attached to XIII ArmeeKorps. A plasteron is an additional attachment that fits over an ulanka’s chest for dress or parade functions. A total of fourteen buttons and five clips appear on its reverse to attach it to the tunic. It is an extremely difficult-to-find uniform accessory. A plasteron truly completes an ulanka. Our example is in excellent condition. $795.00  Reduced to $695.00!!

 

 

15-480 FELDGRAU SLEEVE PATCH - REGIMENTAL FAHENTRÄGER - SAXONY. This is an ultra-rare sleeve patch for a Saxon Regimental Fahnenträger. It is a feldgrau version. It was used from about 1907 through 1918 as feldgrau uniforms were phased into service. The patch is quite large and shield-shaped. It measures 4 3/4" x 3 1/4." It is beautifully manufactured with multicolored bullion thread. I see gold, black, silver, green, red, and blue. As you look at the photos, please pay careful attention to the design of the two crossed flags and especially the Saxonian Crown. It fairly wants to jump off the patch at you. Also, at the patch’s bottom, König Friedrich August III’s royal cypher appears in brilliant gold bullion thread. The patch is in very fine condition. Only a hint of moth tracking shows on the two side panels. I do not believe this was ever issued. It would make an important addition to any collection. $1,595.00 Reduced to $1,395.00!!

 

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15-441 SLEEVE PATCH - REGIMENTAL COLOR BEARER’S FOT A FELDGRAU TUNIC. One of the most honored positions within any regiment was the assignment to carry and maintain their regimental standard. All of the European armies, (including Germany), had a fascinating tradition in regimental standards. In Germany, regimental banners or standards were authorized and issued by the König, or Kaiser. It had a true pageantry to it. In addition to the actual standard/banner, regiments brandished flag poles adorned with streamers proclaiming the year of the regiment’s establishment, the regiment’s collective battle honors, and brass identification rings. Depending on the regiment, the pole might even have been topped by a Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. The men fought with great pride under these flags. For a regiment to lose its flag in battle was a horrible event. It rained dishonor on ALL the men attached to the regiment, from its regimental commander down to the lowliest private. The man assigned to maintain and carry the regimental banner was highly-regarded by his officers and NCO’s. He bore the standard, carrying it in a special case when it was not unfurled. He was expected to protect the banner with his life. The sight of the banner waving, even in battle, was a rallying point for the regiment’s men. If the color bearer fell during battle, another man immediately snatched-up the banner to show that the regiment was still in the fight. Naturally, a man so honored as to carry the regimental colors was awarded a special sleeve patch designating him as the regimental color bearer. As you can see, the number of color bearers in the German Army was very limited, as was this very special sleeve patch. The patch was intended to have been worn on the sleeve of the feldgrau tunic. This example is far larger than a pre WW I sleeve patch. It measures 6 1/2" x 4 1/4" and is in the shape of a shield. It sports a pair of crossed regimental flags, beautifully done in yellow, green, white, and black thread. Between them is a Hohenzollern Crown made of yellow, white, and red thread. At the bottom of the patch is Kaiser Wilhelm II’s royal cypher in red. It is very elegant and quite rare. [As an aside, regimental banners are greatly prized by collectors. Prices BEGIN at $20,000 for these beauties when they come on the market. I have seen examples fetch in excess of $50,000. They rarely become available. Many of them were taken to Russia at the end of WW II, and were not released until thirty to forty years after its end]. This is an amazing piece of history. $1.495.00 Reduced to $1,295.00!!

 

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15-410 1911 KAISER WILHELM II - ANNUAL SHOOTING PRIZE BADGE. The award of the annual Kaiser Shooting Badges was a time of keen competition. These were awarded to the top shooting units from Imperial German Army Regiments, as well as Army Artillery Regiments. A similar award was made to the Navy. This badge was an award to the Army’s top shooting unit in 1911. In this competition every man in the selected regiment was awarded a badge to wear on his tunic sleeve. The badge is oval-shaped and measures 4" x 3." Its background is black felt. The insignia itself is brass. It was an important award within the Imperial German Army. It served as a source of great pride to the winning unit every year. $295.00  Reduced to $250.00!!

 

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15-465 KAISER WILHELM II SHOOTING PRIZE - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT 1912. Annually, Kaiser Wilhelm II awarded a prize to the infantry regiment with the best marksmanship. Each regiment member proudly displays it on his tunic sleeve. Today we are offering the prize from 1912. It is a brass badge measuring 4" x 2 3/4." It features a wreath topped by a Hohenzollern Crown. Below that are crossed rifles, with "1912" displayed at the wreath’s bottom. It is mounted on an oval-shaped piece of dark blue wool, which would then be sewn onto a tunic sleeve. Some light, scattered mothing shows up on the patch. The reverse reveals a backing plate has been added to the badge for extra strength and durability. Badges such as this were considered a great honor. German soldiers also were rewarded for their marksmanship with shooting lanyards. The latter were attached to their shoulder strap buttons and displayed on their right breasts. $350.00 Reduced to $295.00!!

 

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15-445 INFANTRY OFFICER DRESS BELT/SASH - SWORD BELT - SPUR ENSEMBLE. This is a wonderful infantry officer’s grouping. It consists of his sash/belt, sword belt, and a pair of his spurs. The sash sports two large acorns that look like oversized portopees. [Our example does NOT have the "belt-like" attachments one sometimes sees. They are not missing. The sash just never had them. It simply was worn wrapped around the officer’s waist]. Inside this sash is a manufacturer’s label reading "Argentan Specialiät." Also penciled in is what appears to be "v. Pilgram," or "v. Pilgrim." The sash measures 70" in overall length. The next piece is the actual belt from which he hung his sword. Various parts of the sword-belt are made of gold bullion and elegant red leather. The belt is complete and in very fine condition, with all its fittings present. The ensemble’s final item is a pair of officer’s spurs. All of the leather fittings and attachments are available for mounting the spurs to a pair of boots. This scintillating assortment can help complete your uniform display, or create an engrossing display on their own! $1,095.00 Reduced to $950.00!!

 

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15-446 HUSSAR OFFICER PARADE BELT - PRUSSIA. Here is a marvelous Prussian Hussar officer’s parade belt. This belt style is correct ONLY for Hussar officers. It is a very rare accessory, particularly if it is in good condition. Our example is in NEAR MINT condition, AND it is 100% complete, with all its fittings. Look at the attached photographs to see how different this is from the more commonly-seen brocade belts, or even the parade dress sash/belt. This is a must for completing a Hussar officer’s attila. $1,095.00 Reduced to $950.00!!

 

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15-288 DRESS PARADE BELT AND CARTRIDGE BOX - CAVALRY REGIMENT - ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX - PRUSSIA. This is a fascinating pairing of a cartridge box and parade belt for a Prussian cavalry regiment officer. The cartridge box is leather, and displays a brass cypher (Wilhelm Rex) with a crown above it. The belt is gold in color, with gilt trim. The belt’s underlay is a dark-blue velvet. The belt’s exterior is mint, while the underlay shows some mothing. The pair is snugly stored in their original, circular carton, which has protected and preserved them in fine condition. The original, tissue, wrapping-paper still rests at the carton’s bottom. It is a most unusual set. $795.00  Reduced to $695.00!!

 

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15-455 FELDGRAU/SUBDUED OFFICER BELT BUCKLE AND BELT - PRUSSIA. This is a Prussian officer’s feldgrau (subdued) belt buckle. These became more common at the front as WW I developed. (The shiny gold previously used on officers’ belt buckles was too tempting a target for snipers)! The buckle is attached to a brown leather belt. Even though the belt shows its age, it still displays quite fetchingly. The belt’s overall length measure 43 1/4." It would display quite attractively with your feldgrau tunic, or on its own. $875.00 Reduced to $775.00!!

 

15-430 GENERAL OFFICER BELT BUCKLE - MECKLENBURG-STREILITZ. This may well be the rarest belt buckle that one can find from the Imperial German Period. It is for a general officer from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Streilitz. Her larger sister Grand Duchy Mecklenburg-Schwerin was the German Army’s third-largest regiment contributor among the Grand Duchies. Baden and Hessen-Darmstadt were both slightly larger. The other three Grand Duchies contributed one or two regiments at most, while Mecklenburg-Streilitz contributed less than a full regiment of men. She had one Battalion of infantry, one battery of artillery, and perhaps a few scattered men in the other regiments from Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Although Mecklenburg-Schwerin put up approximately six regiments, she never produced many generals. That is even truer for the far smaller Mecklenburg-Streilitz. The Grand Dukes of this state were Adolf Friedrich V and Adolf Friedrich VI who ruled from 1904-1918. While I have not been able find further research this, it is most likely that the two Grand Dukes and perhaps one other officer were the only generals fielded by Mecklenburg-Streilitz. While I have seen and offered a general Pickelhaube from Mecklenburg-Schwerin, I have never even seen one from Mecklenburg-Streilitz! This gives you a feeling for a general’s belt buckle’s rarity. Aside from its scarcity, the beauty of the belt buckle is breathtaking. The buckle’s basic shape is similar to any German officer’s buckle. It is circular (measuring 2" in diameter), with a wreath of laurel leaves. The buckle’s center is identical to the wappen center from a Mecklenburg-Schwerin general’s pickelhaube. It features a high-relief, silver sunburst. In its center is a multicolored enamel device that includes the Mecklenburg-Strelitz's Crown. There is also a motto in Latin for this state. I originally thought this was a belt buckle from Mecklenburg-Schwerin as they are identical with the exception of the differing Latin motto. Aside from being on the general pickelhauben this motto appears on certain decorations from the two Grand Duchies. The belt buckle is complete with both pieces. It can easily be mounted on a leather belt, or displayed with other items from Mecklenburg-Streilitz. If you are a belt buckle collector, you certainly will make this your collection’s centerpiece. $3,495.00 Reduced to $3,075.00!!

 

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15-349 OFFICER DRESS PARADE SASH IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX - MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN. This is an officer’s parade dress sash from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The officer who owned this sash was an Adjutant. The sash portion is a gold and blue bullion brocade in the colors of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. All of the fittings for the belt are intact. Two large portopee-like objects hang down from the belt. The head of the portopee-like device is covered in gold bullion, while the dangling tendrils that extend down from the device’s head are gold and blue. The blue gets gradually darker the further down it goes. The finishing touch to this belt is that it comes in its own storage box, which measures 7 1/4" x 13 1/2" x 3 1/4." The box’s ends are rounded. A paper tag is also on the side that mentions the sash is for an Adjutant. The item is in very fine condition. $495.00   Reduced to $425.00!!

 

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15-356 OFFICER DRESS PARADE BELT - ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX - BADEN/OLDENBURG/SCHÜTZTRUPPEN. This is a parade belt that was appropriate for an officer from Baden, Oldenburg, or the Schütztruppen. The Schütztruppen were army troops serving in the German colonies, mostly in Africa. This is the high-parade brocade belt. One line of gold and one line of silver brocade appear, along with a very thin red stripe. All of the belt’s attachments are present. Two large portopee-like devices hang down from the brocade belt. Many metallic danglers in matching shades of silver are attached to the bottom of the portopee-like devices. Finally, it is accompanied by its original storage box. It measures 17 1/2" x 3 3/4" x 3 1/4." As you remove the belt from the box, you will find its original tissue paper in the bottom! This is a great accessory for a Baden, Oldenburg, or Colonial uniform. $550.00   Reduced to $475.00!!

 

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15-412 SHOOTING LANYARD FOR 1. GARDE-REGIMENT zu FUß IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX - PRUSSIA. This is a very rare accouterment for the tunics of men serving in 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. This regiment was the most elite in the Prussian. It along with the Regiment der Garde du Corps were considered the creme de la creme of the Prussian army. To be selected for either of these regiments as either an officer or an enlisted Man/NCO was truly an honor. This offering is the special shooting lanyard authorized for the top marksmen of the regiment. It was first authorized in 1901 and continued in use until 1914 (most likely until the beginning of WW I). One of these can be seen on page 253 of "Uniformengeschicte des Preußen Heers 1808-1914 Volume 1." This lanyard differs greatly from the typical shooting lanyard. It measures 48" in length. It is all made of silver bullion and there are two bullion acorns attached to the lanyard. There are attachment at either end for securing it to the tunic. The condition of the lanyard is MINT. It comes in the original circular storage carton which is also in excellent condition. The case measures 8" in diameter. This is an ultra rare accouterment and is seldom seen. $1,295.00 Reduced to $1,125.00!!

 

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15-195 5^th DEGREE SHOOTING BADGE THAT IS REGIMENTALLY MARKED TO A CAVALRY REGIMENT - WÜRTTEMBERG. Shooting badges are always a pleasant accessory, to complete a tunic or add to a collection. This is a 5^th Degree Badge from Württemberg. The badge is marked on the reverse: UR 20 for Ulanen-Regiment Nr 20 from the Kingdom of Württemberg. It is in excellent condition. $395.00 Reduced to $350.00!!

 

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20-143 FRAMED COLLAGE - KAISER WILHELM I - PRUSSIA. This is a fascinating framed collage of artifacts relating to Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797-1888). To begin, the framed collage measures 26" x 29 1/2." The framing is very high-quality but modern-day, not period. The frame displays a beautiful gilded molding that sets off the items within the frame quite handsomely. At the frame’s bottom is a brass plaque that states "Kaiser Wilhelm I 1797-1888." Within the frame are three different windows that have been created to house three items. Each of the windows is double-matted to set off the contents even more attractively. To the far left is a front page newspaper dated 13 March 1888. The newspaper measures 20 1/4" x 15," and is from Bremen. It carries the story of the Kaiser’s death, along with key points of his life. On display at the top right is a high-quality, printed notice of a memorial service for the Kaiser by the "Deutschen Vereinen Londons (Germans United in/with London) on 24 March 1888. This measures 9 1/4" x 7." Finally, on the bottom right is Kaiser Wilhelm I’s formal portrait, measuring 7" x 4 3/4." It also displays his distinctive signature in black ink. This magnificent presentation deserves a special place in your home or office. [As this is a very large presentation, professional packing will be required to ensure safe delivery to its new owner. Shipping charges are dependent on the buyer’s location]. $1,195.00 Reduced to $1,050.00!!

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20-97 FRAMED OFFICER PATENT WITH THE SIGNATURE OF KAISER WILHELM II. The signature of Kaiser Wilhelm II is always sought-after by collectors. His bold and distinctive signature is handsome. When seen on a complete Urkunde or Promotion Patent, it makes a wonderful way to have a signature of Germany’s third and final Kaiser. Today, we offer an attractively double-matted presentation of a document bearing Wilhelm II’s signature. The document is for a Hauptmann von Busse, who had served as a premier (forerunner of an oberleutnant) lieutenant in Füsilier-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen (Brandenburgisches) Nr 35. This regiment was founded in 1813. Along with his promotion he was posted to Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich III (2. Schlesisches) Nr 11, which was founded in 1808. Doing a spot of research, I believe I have found our man in the 1914-1918 Rangeliste. There was an Oberst Busse, who served as the Adjutant of XX. Armeekorps. He later retired from the army as a Generalmajor a.D. The document is dated 15 November 1894 and bears the bold signature of the Kaiser. We can see a slight smudge in his signature’s ink. Alongside his signature we see the large embossed coat-of-arms for the House of Hohenzollern. The document appears in its own double matted "window." A black and white lithograph of Wilhelm II is displayed in a second "window." Below that is a third window with the Kaiser’s name. The custom-framed presentation (modern-day) measures 21 ½" x 19 ½." As an historical aside, most Officer Promotion Patents for the rank of hauptmann and above were personally signed by the Kaiser. Those below that rank generally were not signed by him. They were prepared in the same basic format, showing the man’s name, unit, former rank and the rank to which he was being promoted. This is a great way to display a signature for Wilhelm II. All you need is a hook on the wall, and you are ready to go! Extra shipping required on this item. $850.00 Reduced to $750.00!!

 

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19-122 DOCUMENT FOR A YOUNG LEUTNANT - SIGNED BY KING FRIEDRICH WILHELM IV - PRUSSIA. This is an ORIGINAL letter signed by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1795-1861). Friedrich Wilhelm IV was King of Prussia (1840-1850). He was removed from the throne after he went insane. The letter was written in the castle at Charlottenburg on 30 December 1847. This dealt with the promotion of a young Portopeefähnrich to Second Lieutenant. The officer in question was Grafen zu Stolberg Wernigerode. This action was taken by Friedrich Wilhelm IV as the head of the Garde-Korps. The young officer was attached to 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füßilier. It is a fine early promotion patent to a young nobleman. The format is different from what was used by both Kaiser Wilhelm I and II. $450.00 Reduced to $395.00!!

19-154 FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH - KAISER WILHELM II, OTTO von BISMARCK AND KÜRAßIER TROOPS WITH THE SIGNATURE OF von BISMARCK. If one looks at Otto von Bismarck’s (1813-1898) assorted photographs, one occasionally sees him wearing a küraßier officer’s uniform and/or helmet. Here we have a collage of two photographs, with von Bismarck’s clipped signature in the center. The two photographs are placed above and below his signature. I do not know with which Küraßier-Regiment he was associated; however, as I continue with the description, you will see the connection. Otto von Bismarck celebrated his 80th birthday on 1 April 1895. A special birthday celebration was held for the occasion, hosted by Kaiser Wilhelm II himself. The two photographs I am about to describe are ORIGINAL. They each measure 4" x 6 1/8," and are of the highest-quality. They are matted in individual windows, which highlights them even more. The upper photograph depicts a küraßier troop parade. Alighting from a carriage is none other than Kaiser Wilhelm II, wearing a küraßier officer’s helmet and uniform. Under the photograph is the legend "Friedrichsruher Fesstage Marz-April 1895." The second photograph shows von Bismarck standing in front of his house. He is flanked by küraßiers. Several of the troops are mounted on horses in front of him. Bismarck is holding his massive sword (it is displayed today in a museum nearby that honors him). The photograph is similarly marked to the one above. As previously mentioned, a third window measuring 1 1/4" x 2 1/2," lies between these two photos. Within the window’s frame is von Bismarck’s clipped autograph, written in bold black ink. The overall frame measures 15 3/4" x 10 3/4." PLEASE NOTE: It is a modern-day frame, NOT a period frame. This is a superb presentation honoring Germany’s most famous Chancellor and politician. It is ready to hang on your wall. $695.00 Reduced to $595.00!!

19-24 SIGNED PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF HERMANN KÖHL. Hermann Köhl was a pilot early in the war. He was later transferred to a bomber squadron where he was very successful in his efforts against the French. His award was made in May 1918. Interestingly, he was shot down and interred in a POW camp until 1919. He was involved in aviation in post WW I Germany. He was well-known as he made a East to West crossing of the Atlantic in 1918 (this was more difficult than the Lindbergh flight since when one flies from Europe to the U.S. the flying is slower due to fighting head winds). He died in 1938. The portrait photo shows him in a civilian suit and is clearly signed on the obverse. $295.00 Reduced to $255.00!!

 

 

20-206 ORIGINAL HAND COLORED PENCIL SKETCH - KAISER WILHELM II. This is an original pencil sketch of Kaiser Wilhelm II. It has been hand colored to show the Kaiser’s general officer’s leitzen and a neck order. The Kaiser is wearing a general officer’s pickelhaube, with a canvas, foul-weather cover. The artist has signed his name, "L. Hirschmann." It measures 12 1/4" x 8 1/4." It is attractively done. The sketch is ready to frame and/or matte, or display as it is. $750.00 Reduced to $650.00!!

 

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13-614 SHIP’S LAUNCH ENLISTED SAILOR’S RATING PATCH - S. M. Y. HOHENZOLLERN. Without a doubt, this is one of the rarest enlisted sailor’s rating patches you will ever see from the Kaiserliche Marine. This patch was worn on the sleeves of the specially selected sailors who manned Kaiser Wilhelm’s launch that transported him to and from the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern. These sailors had a large amount of public contact. They were seen by Germans and people abroad as the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern journeyed. (Naturally, it was mandatory that these sailors be among the crew’s best-looking specimens). Like most Imperial German Naval rating patches, our example is oval-shaped and measurers 4" x 3 1/4." The background is dark-blue. It features a yellow frame, within which is a yellow and red Hohenzollern Crown. Below that we see a Großadmiral’s yellow and red crossed batons. Kaiser Wilhelm was the Kaiserliche Marine’s first Großadmiral. Thus, the patch dates from 1901 onward. The rating patch was worn on the right sleeve. It is in excellent condition. This is the first patch of its type we have seen. We are very pleased to present it to you. $1,950.00 Reduced to $1,695.00!!

 

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20-217 DELUXE COMMEMORATIVE 78 RECORD SET - 25th ANNIVERSARY - KAISER WILHELM II’S ASCENSION -THRONE. This is a fascinating piece of memorabilia. It is a 78 rpm record issued to commemorate Kaiser Wilhelm II’s 25th anniversary of his ascension to Germany’s throne. It comes encased in its own highly-decorated cardboard container, which is still totally intact 95 years after it was released! The record is probably made of glass or wax, rather than the vinyl of the later 20th Century (we are not 100% sure of its composition). Its surface is decorated with a high-relief portrait of Wilhelm II in the center of the album. The following words are printed (again in high-relief) around the album’s edge: "Zur Erinnerung an das Funfundzanzigjährige Regierungs-Jubiläum Seiner Majestat des Kaisers und Königs Wilhelm II - 1888-1913. (In Remembrance of the 25-year-Reign-Jubilee of Our Majesty of Kaisers and Kings Wilhelm 2nd )." These same words encircle the cover of cardboard container. In the cover’s center is a framed picture of Kaiser Wilhelm II. A Hohenzollern Crown sits high above his portrait, and elaborate curtains swag down from it to drape dramatically on either side of the Kaiser’s picture. A small label below the picture announces "Grammophon-Orchester. M 040749 Jubel - Ouverture von C. M. Weber." The latter is the music selection on the recording. The box is 12" in diameter and approximately 1" high. Someone has taped it together in the past. A removable, protective cardboard liner is still present inside. Another insert, this one made of metal, sits in the case’s lower half to help further protect the fragile recording. The recording’s non-decorative side displays a conventional record label, complete with the graphic of the dog listening to a gramophone. The recording information is again listed: composer, composition, recording number, etc., as well as more salutations to the Kaiser. This is a remarkable piece of Kaiserzeit memorabilia, in extremely good condition! $1,150.00 Reduced to $995.00!!

 

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20-203 PILLOWCASES - KAISER WILHELM II's ROYAL YACHT S. M. Y. HOHENZOLLERN. I am constantly looking for items pertaining to German royal families. I also am always on the lookout for items relating to Kaiser Wilhelm II’s royal yacht, the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern. When we discover items from both categories at once, it is our day for celebration! Today we are offering pillowcases from the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern. These are like no pillowcases that you ever seen, my friends. They are different sizes. One measures 24" x 25," while the other measures 17 1/2" x 25 1/2." It is not their sizes that make them so different. Instead, it is each pillowcase’s buttons (five and three, respectively), which secured it on the pillow once the cases were laundered and pressed. Each case sports Kaiser Wilhelm II’s embroidered cypher, along with a number 1 and 2 below the cypher. The red embroidery looks very striking against the pillowcase’s whiteness. The pillowcase’s material is an unbelievably high-quality cotton, or, a fine linen. It is extremely soft. The pillow cases are offered at $195.00 each (your choice) or $350.00 for the pair. Reduced to $170.00 & $305.00!!

 

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20-223 CANDLE HOLDER - KAISERLICHER YACHT CLUB. This is an interesting candle holder, displaying the Kaiserlicher Yacht Club’s flag. Its reverse presents another flag, the Reischsdienstflagge der Kaiserliche Marine. The flag was instituted in 1891 and used until 1918. It was formally abolished in 1922. Insert a candle and you will have an elegantly handsome display. $295.00 Reduced to $260.00!!

 

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20-230 TWO SMALL PLAQUES ON EASELS - KAISER WILHELM II AND KAISERIN AUGUSTA VIKTORIA. This is a fine pair of small plaques that measure 2" x 1 1/2." They represent Kaiser Wilhelm II and his wife, Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria. Each plaque displays the motto "Gott Mit Uns" at the top. The royal couple’s images are in high-relief. Their birth dates are listed to the right or left of their heads. Below the Kaiserin we read "Auguste Viktoria Kaiserin und Königin." Wilhelm’s plaque displays the legend "Kaiser Wilhelm II." Both are decorative and well-made. The two plaques are mounted on easels measuring 3 1/2" x 2." When placed on a table, the kaiser should be on the right and the kaiserin on the left, so they can look across at one another. They are quite touching. $375.00 Reduced to $325.00!!

 

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20-209 KRONPRINZ WILHELM PRESENTATION STICKPIN - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - PRUSSIA. This is a superior, presentation stickpin from Kronprinz Wilhelm of Prussia. Wilhelm was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s eldest son, and heir to Germany’s throne until WW I ended. After his father died in 1941, he was the pretender to the throne. On holidays and various other occasions, Kronprinz Wilhelm and his father presented gifts to their favorite people. This stickpin is just such an item. It features a GOLD circle, inside of which resides a blue-enameled "W" trimmed in GOLD. A GOLD Hohenzollern Crown is mounted over the "W." In turn, this is mounted on a high-quality, knurled, GOLD pin, measuring 2 1/4" in length.The stickpin is of the highest quality, which is confirmed by its presentation case. The case is made of gray leatherette. Some minor separation of the leatherette shows at the case’s bottom. It measures 3 3/4" x 1 1/4." Inside the case is a white silk liner, which is imprinted with J. H. Werner’s name and address in Berlin. They were one of the royal family’s house jewelers. It is an elegant gift given to a favored few by the man who should have become Germany’s 4th Kaiser. $1,495.00 Reduced to $1,295.00!!

 

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20-233 FLORAL PATTERN DINNER PLATE - PERSONAL SERVICE - KÖNIG FRIEDRICH WILHELM IV - PRUSSIA. This is a recessed dinner plate from König Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia’s personal dinner service. It dates from about 1850. It sports a multicolored floral pattern, with vibrant green leaves flanking green and purple grapes. The reverse has hallmarking for KPM, the firm that provided tableware for all the Kings and Kaisers of Prussia from Frederick the Great through Kaiser Wilhelm II. In addition to KPM’s hallmarking, we also see the Prussian King’s cypher. It is a fine example. $995.00 Reduced to $875.00!!

 

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20-207 SALAD/DESSERT PLATE - SCHLOß NYMPHENBURG - KÖNIG LUDWIG III - BAVARIA. We are thrilled to offer a dessert/salad plate from König Ludwig III of Bavaria’s royal table service. This plate was produced from 1900 through 1912, while Ludwig II was still Bavaria’s Prinz Regent. Schloß Nymphenburg was the Bavarian royal household’s summer castle. Located in what is today suburban Munich, it was first built in 1664. The Schloß and its grounds cover more than 200 acres. Interestingly, the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics dressage (equestrian) events were held on the castle grounds. The plate is twelve-sided, and measures 8 1/8" in diameter. Without a doubt, this is the most beautiful, elaborately hand painted royal plate of the many we have offered. Two shades of blue and a royal gold are featured. An ornate pattern is displayed throughout. The plate’s central theme is a house on a lake or river. It is very striking, and would make a fine addition to any collection. $1,195.00  Reduced to $1,050.00!!

 

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20-139 BISQUE PORCELAIN PLAQUE COMMEMORATING CHRISTMAS 1917 AND KÖNIG LUDWIG III - BAVARIA. This is an oval-shaped plaque made of white, bisque porcelain. It measures 7" x 5 1/4." Its subject is the King of Bavaria, Ludwig III. The plaque’s edges (frame) feature an enchanting design. A high-relief profile of Ludwig III with his title dominates the plaque’s center. Two different notations on the reverse mention this was for Christmas (Weihnachten) 1917. A serial number also advises that this is a limited edition piece. At its top, a small blue and white (the Bavarian colors) string hanger is handy for wall-mounting. This piece is in excellent condition. $395.00 Reduced to $350.00!!

 

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20-226 PRINZ FRANZ OF BAVARIA’S EPAULETTES - REGIMENTAL COMMANDER AND OBERST - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 2 - BAVARIA - ORIGINAL STORAGE CASE. Prinz Franz (1875-1957) of Bavaria was Kronprinz Ruprecht’s (1869-1955) younger brother. Their father was König Ludwig III (1845-1921) of Bavaria. Like his older brother Prinz Ruprecht, Prinz Franz had a military career, although it was less distinguished. Both brothers commanded the 2. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz at different times. This very proud regiment was founded in 1682, making it one of the Bavarian Army’s two oldest infantry regiments. It was garrisoned in München and attached to the Bavarian I. Armeekorps. Prinz Ruprecht commanded the regiment in 1899, until he was promoted to generalmajor and assumed other responsibilities. Ultimately, Prinz Ruprecht achieved the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. I do not have the exact dates when Prinz Franz commanded the 2. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz. It was from before WW I to slightly before or after WW I erupted. He then was promoted to generalmajor and commanded an infantry brigade throughout the war. Each of the epaulettes is framed by a gilt "moon." Its background is red (wool) felt. Mounted on the background is the regiment’s massive crowned cypher. It is so large it spills over the gilt "moon frame’s" edges. Flanking the cypher are two pips indicating an oberst’s rank. Silver ringlets hang down from the frame. This adornment was used only on a major’s, oberstleutnant’s, or oberst’s epaulettes. Whether for a lower or higher rank, all other epaulettes were significantly different. The epaulette’s "tongue" sports silver bullion tape embedded with blue, further confirming the epaulette is Bavarian. Each epaulette features a plain, gold-toned button. When one turns them over, they display the typical Bavarian washer and cotter pin securing them to the tunic. The reverse sports the same red material as is present on the obverse. These beautiful epaulettes come in their original storage case. No markings whatsoever appear for Prinz Franz either on or in the case. Inside is a pedestal on which they sit. A nifty little ribbon secures them with a little bow. I really like these epaulettes. They hail from a less well known Wittelsbach prince. When his older brother, Kronprinz Albrecht, died in 1955, Prinz Franz became the Bavarian throne’s pretender until his death in 1957. Included with the epaulettes is a copy from the Rangliste that shows Prinz Franz as oberst and commander of 2. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz. Interestingly, his older brother, Kronprinz Ruprecht, was the regiment’s Inhaber (its honorary oberst and patron)! $2,895.00 Reduced to $2,495.00!!

 

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20-174 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR GRAND DUKE FRIEDRICH II OF BADEN AS A GENERALOBERST IN THE RANK OF GENERALFELDMARSCHALL - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 126. This is a splendid pair of shoulder boards that once belonged to Baden’s Grand Duke Friedrich II. They are quite interesting, and represent his official position as Inhaber (Regimental Chef) of 8. Württembergerisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 126 Großherzog Friedrich von Baden. The regiment was founded in Württemberg’s Army during 1716. It was garrisoned at Straßburg i.E., and assigned to the XV. ArmeeKorps. In his position as Regimental Chef, Friedrich II held the position of Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. It was a unique status that usually was honorary, and held separately from conventional military ranks. In the more traditional German Army lineup, a Generaloberst was equal to a four-star U.S. Army General. A Generaloberst with direct line responsibility displayed three pips on his shoulder boards. The German Army’s ultimate rank was the Generalfeldmarschall. It was equal to a five-star U.S. Army General. [The latter rank was given to Dwight Eisenhower and Omar Bradley in WW II. It has not been used since]. Our current offering exhibits three silver pips for the Generaloberst portion of the rank on each shoulder board. Between these three pips are the Generalfeldmarschall’s crossed batons, also in silver. The crossed batons are the heart and soul of these shoulder boards. They are MAGNIFICENT! Their exquisite detailing is amazing to behold. The five eagles and five crowns on each baton are in ultra-crisp high-relief. It is as if someone zapped full-sized batons with a magic wand and transformed them into perfectly scaled miniatures–the details are so spectacular. Below the batons one can see the regimental designation "126," which is also in silver. The final items on the obverse that we want to point out are the alternating layers of gold and silver in the boards’ rope bullion. The silver bullion contains red threads that confirm the boards are hail from a Württemberg Regiment. The shoulder boards measure a whopping 5" x 2 1/2." The boards’ reverse features a red felt backing, and the tabs by which this slip-on style was attached to the tunic. The boards’ silver patina (and I do mean silver) is resplendent on the pips, batons, and regimental designation. These shoulder boards are in excellent condition. It is one of the finest royalty sets we have ever offered. One final note. Shoulder boards from royalty are becoming ever more popular. Pairs from Kaiser Wilhelm II are fetching well over  $10,000+  these days! With the dismal showing in the stock market of late, items like this make a sound investment, as well as something magnificent to enjoy. $5,995.00   Reduced to $5,275.00!!

 

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20-228 DELUXE PROMOTION PATENT - FELDMARSCHALLLIEUTENANT RANK - ERZHERZOG FRANZ CARL - AUSTRIA - SPECIAL FITTED PRESENTATION CASE. If you ever thought the Germans produced ornate documents, wait until you see how the Austrians’ work! This week we are presenting a document that is, without a doubt, the most ornate and elaborate we have ever offered. The document is a promotion patent for Erzherzog Franz Carl of Austria (1802-1878). He was a son of Franz I (1768-1835), who served as Austria’s emperor until his death in 1835. At that point he (Franz I) was replaced as emperor by his eldest son, Ferdinand (1793-1875). Franz Carl was Emperor Ferdinand’s younger brother. Ferdinand abdicated during the 1848 revolts in Austria. In the normal course of events, he would have been replaced by Franz Carl. Ferdinand had suffered from poor health (seizures), and historically often been portrayed as feeble-minded (which is debatable). Franz Carl was convinced to lay aside his claim to the throne in favor of his eldest son, Franz Joseph I (1830-1916). Franz Joseph served as Emperor of Austria from 1848 until his death in 1916. Erzherzog Franz Carl had yet another famous son who became an e emperor. He was none other than Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico (1832-1867)! Franz Carl was also the grandfather ofArchduke Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914), Emperor Franz Joseph’s intended heir, whose 1914 assassination in Sarajevo led to WW I. Franz Carl was not a major player in the Austrian government, although he did serve on the Council that actually ruled Austria from 1835-1848. Franz Carl’s military career was not particularly distinguished, either. He had served as a Generalmajor and Inhaber (honorary commander or oberst) of Infanterie-Regiment Nr 52. It was in fact a Hungarian regiment. In 1844, he was promoted to the rank of Feldmarschallieutenant. This last, my dear readers, is the purpose of our document. Please remember that the document was issued in September 1844. It is about 165-years-old!!! Prussian promotion patents are decorative, but nowhere near as ornate or impressive as this document. The document is prepared on vellum. As it is a true vellum (in the late 1800's, artificial vellum first came into use), it was made from the leather skin of a cow, goat, etc. Vellum is also referred to as parchment. The feel and quality of the paper are amazing. It is crisp and exquisite. The document was folded into six sections. When it is fully extended, it measures 22" x 30 1/2." The calligraphy is nothing short of amazing. The document begins with a length description of the titles and rights of Kaiser Ferdinand. Then the date and the name of Archduke Franz Carl appear, as well as his association with Infanterie-Regiment Nr 52 and that he had previously held the rank of Generalmajor. The document is boldly signed by the Kaiser. Attached to the document by a gold bullion cord is a circular, cased canister made of very high-quality brass with a high-gloss finish. The canister measures 3 3/4" in diameter and is 3/4" thick. One side displays a beautiful, double-headed Austrian Eagle topped by a Hapsburg Crown. The canister's other side features a fine military motif of flags, cannon, rifles, swords, and a küraß. The canister opens. Inside is an intact, mint-condition, red wax seal with Kaiser Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary’s Coat-of-Arms. The document and canister set is housed in a deluxe fitted case. It has a cutout space for the document and another space to house the canister. The presentation case’s upper lid (measuring 11 1/2" x 16 3/4" x 2 1/2") is lined with sumptuous black silk. The case’s lower, fitted, half is lined in black velvet. The case’s exterior is made of hand tooled red Moroccan leather. The upper lid displays an ornate gold-embossed design. The exterior shows some signs of wear, with some scuffing and limited areas where the leather is patchy. Twin latches secure the case. Some evidence remains of a lock but, alas, no key. The side of the case has a paper tag which appears to be from a museum. The tag measures 1 3/4" x 4." It has what I believe is an old control number, along with a typed description on the card. This is a fantastic set. It is the ultimate document attributed from and to royalty of more than 165-years-ago. $13,995.00  Reduced to $12,295.00!!

 

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15-32 ALBUM BELONGING TO THE GREAT - AUNT OF MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN. Clara von Richthofen was the paternal great-aunt of Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen. She was the sister of Julius Georg Ludwig, the father of Albrecht von Richthofen, who was the father of Manfred and Lothar von Richthofen. Clara was born in 1829 and died in Berlin 1909. This album which was presented to her in 1845 by a favorite uncle (a von Berenhorst). There are numerous entries mostly from the 1840's and 1850's. There is at least one item as late as the 1870's. She married Guido von Busse in 1850, and although they were married for 38 years, she had no children; which is why this album would have passed down into the Red Baron’s family. This very high quality album, in which Clara made entries for many years, is the journal and art album of a young Prussian noblewoman starting at the age of sixteen. On the opposite page from the dedication by her Uncle is her autograph, "Clara von Richthofen." As the album develops we see the art and writings of a romantic young woman. There are lithographs (colored and black and white) of places that she visited and people that she admired. Many of these images have captions which due to their age are somewhat faded. There are several poems sprinkled through the album. As you go through the album there are also several examples of pressed flowers and leaves which are surprisingly nice for being one hundred and fifty years old. There are also at least two concert programs from concerts which she attended in the 1850's and 1870's. There are also several original sketches done by Clara and while I am far from an art expert, she seemed quite talented to me. Many of these sketches are in pencil but there is one that she sketched and then colored. Speaking of colored sketches there that she did of an "Uncle Richthofen" that is quite spirited and the old gentleman has a very prominent nose. The album has fifty-seven pages of information in it and it is an excellent study of a young Prussian noblewoman of the mid 19^th Century. Overall it is in surprisingly good condition. $1,595.00 Reduced to $1,395.00!!

 

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21-149 ORIGINAL PAINTING - EARLY ZEPPELIN FLYING OVER FREDERICH THE GREAT’S PRUSSIAN ROYAL PALACE SANS SOUCCI. This is a most unusual painting on wood, circa 1910. The painting shows the palace built by order of Frederick the Great in Potsdam, Sans Soucci. It is one of the most fascinating of the Prussian royal palaces. When it was built, it was intended to be a summer palace for Frederick the Great when he wanted to get away from all of the hubbub of Berlin. It remains a beautiful site today. I enjoy touring it when we are in the Potsdam area. What is so unusual about this piece is that the artist did his work on wood, instead of canvas or paper. I am no expert, but this is a beautiful light wood. The artist used a knife to cut indentations around and within all the painted areas. This gives the illusion that the picture is created from different colored pieces of inlaid wood.  Some patterns even have small pieces of wood cut out to further the illusion. Close inspection, however, reveals that the images are PAINTED, not inlaid. The painting's actual surface  measures 17" x 10 1/4."  The full, framed picture measures 20 1/4" X 13 3/4." A black-framed rectangular area, measuring 15 1/4" x 8 1/2," is painted inside the overall surface. This imitates a matte within a framed picture. Inside this area at the bottom is a classic view of Sans Soucci. An early pre WW I zeppelin is flying in the sky above. The presentation has a black wooden frame, trimmed in gold. What appears to be the artist’s signature is on the painting’s reverse. It looks like "FJ."  This is a superb piece of work, very different from what we often see. It is totally original and unique! [Special shipping will be required on this item. The price will be based on where it needs to be shipped]. $1,695.00   Reduced to $1,495.00!!

 

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21-193 MEISSEN TABLE MEDAL - GRAF ZEPPELIN "AROUND THE WORLD VOYAGE" - 1929. Meissen was one of the premier makers of tableware and porcelain items in Imperial Germany. The firm is hundreds of years old, and has survived to this day. Today we are offering a large-format table medal that salutes the Graf Zeppelin’s (LZ-127) "Around the World Tour." The tour began in Friedrichshafen, Germany, where the Graf Zeppelin was built, and continued on to Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Lakehurst, NJ (where her sistership, the Hindenburg, exploded in May 1937) before returning to Germany. It measures 2" in diameter and is chocolate brown. It shows hallmarking for Meissen on both sides. This is something different for you zeppelin collectors. $350.00 Reduced to $295.00!!

 

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21-209 ZEPPELIN BADGE. This is an unusual zeppelin badge. I have not encountered one like it before. It is circular/oval-shaped, and measures 1 3/4" x 1 3/4." The badge features a wreath of leaves, with a zeppelin extending across the badge’s width. "Zeppelin" is seen on the airship. Running vertically is an anchor. The reverse features four pins, which are intact. This allowed the badge to be affixed to a cap or a garment. The badge is stamped in a manner similar to that of a wound badge. I am not sure what the badge’s purpose was, although I think it is something other than a patriotic piece. If anybody has an idea what it is or has seen one before, I would be happy to share that information with our readers! $250.00 Reduced to $220.00!

21-136 PRE WWI ZEPPELIN BADGE. Before WW I the Zeppelin Company operated zeppelins on a commercial basis. Zeppelin Abteilungs also existed within the German Army. Zeppelins were operated by Prussian, Saxon, Württemberg, and Bavarian crews. The real tradition and interest, however, were on the civil side. Germans flocked to ride aboard zeppelins whenever they could. The crews that operated these non military zeppelins were allowed to wear an exclusive pin that identified them as crew and employees of the Zeppelin Company. These badges measured 1 3/4" x 1 1/2." At the top of the badge was a Hohenzollern Crown. Below this was a beautifully constructed eagle. In the eagle’s center is the silver Zeppelin Company logo on a black enamel background. Some damage has occurred to the enamel center, and repairs made to cover up the damage. It has been well done, but we felt that it was important to mention its presence. The name of the manufacturer, Mayer & Wilhelm, is listed on the reverse. It also states the firm was from Stuttgart, the capital of Württemberg. Friedrichshafen, where zeppelins were built, was a part of that Kingdom, and Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin was a member of their nobility. These pins are very difficult to find. I have seen only one or two others in my time. $695.00 Reduced to $595.00!!

21-125 FRAMED PAINTING - ZEPPELIN IN EGYPT. The zeppelins Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg made voyages that touched a great portion of the earth. One of their more celebrated voyages included passing over the deserts of Egypt and the pyramids. Today we offer a period painting that shows one of the Zeppelins achieving this feat. The frame is a period, burled wood. The entire framed display measures 16 1/2" x 24." No glass covers the painting, which measures 14" x 21 3/4." The painting depicts the zeppelin flying over the Great Sphinx and between two pyramids. In the foreground are a party of Egyptians and camels. This naively styled painting is signed by the artist. If you are a zeppelin collector, this will certainly enhance your wall and your collection. $895.00  Reduced to $775.00!!

 

 

21-127 ORIGINAL 1937 FRONT PAGE - ZEPPELIN HINDENBURG CRASH. This is an original front page (with the facing second page) recounting the disastrous explosion of the zeppelin Hindenburg. The newspaper comes from Frankfurt am Main, a common zeppelin port of call. The paper is dated 7 May 1937. It has been folded in half, but remains in very good condition. This really should be framed using conservation methods. $395,00  Reduced to $350.00!!

 

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22-31 PATENT FOR AN OFFICER SERVING IN GERMAN SOUTHEAST AFRICA SIGNED BY KAISER WILHELM II. This is an ultra rare document that served as a promotion patent for an officer serving in the German colony of Southeast Africa. The officer was Hauptmann Hugo Freiherr von Nordic zur Rabenau. The document was signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 13 September 1911. A quick look at the Rangeliste for 1914-1918 indicates that von Nordic zur Rabenau did not serve in Africa during WW I. I did find mention of two men named Rabenau. One served on a staff and one was with an artillery regiment, but I cannot tell if either was our man (Please see below for additional information on this officer). In the document it mentions twice that this man was attached to the Schutztruppe in German Southeast Africa. The document has been folded in half. It shows a slight separation of about two inches in the fold. All of the information on the document is clear and readable. It sports a very bold signature of the Kaiser. This is an exceptional document. We have received additional information on Hauptmann a.D. (retired) Hugo Freiherr von Nordic zur Rabenau from a regular reader who enjoys doing research. Hugo Freiherr von Nordec zur Rabenau was born 25 October 1873 and was originally assigned to Kurhessisches-Jaeger Battalion Nr 11. After promotion in 1895 he was assigned to the Schutztruppe in German East Africa (Deutsche Ost Afrika) in September 1900. While he was promoted to Hauptmann in 1911 as indicated in the description above he retired from the army in either 1913 or 1914. With the beginning of WW I he was recalled and was a company commander in Reserve-Infantry-Regiment Nr 81. He fell at Vassincourt on the Western Front on 10 September 1914, barely a month into the war. At the time that he fell for the Fatherland, von Nordic zur Rabenau was forty years old. I appreciate this additional information from this reader who has shared his research with us in the past. $650.00 Reduced to $575.00!!

22-66 COLONIAL TROOPS VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION STICKPIN. This is a stickpin for a veteran of Germany’s colonial troops. Its basic component is a depiction of a hat commonly used by German Southwest Africa troopers. [The hats were similar to those worn by American cowboys. Both varieties boasted broad brims to protect their wearers from the sun. The German version had one side of the brim lifted up and secured with a reich’s kokarde. The actual hats (or in Deutsch, "huts") are quite expensive today, WHEN you can find them]. The stickpin is made of a frosted silver material. It is captivatingly handsome. I have only encountered this type of stickpin on two or three occasions. It is in exquisite condition. There is a manufacture hallmark on the reverse.$125.00 Reduced to $110.00!!

22-65 RIBBON BAR - KAMERUN 1900 SPANGE. This is an interesting one-place ribbon bar. It features the ribbon for the Southwest African Campaign Medal. Mounted on the ribbon is a spange (bar) that reads "Kamerun 1900." Campaign bars were used beginning with the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. They showed the battles or campaigns in which a man participated. The practice was also used for service in the German colonies of Africa and China. This ribbon bar was worn on the tunic’s left breast. A pin on the reverse secures the ribbon bar to the wearer’s clothing. Bars from the various German colonial campaigns can be very difficult-to-find. Perhaps one of the rarest is the bar for "Peking" from the 1900 Boxer Rebellion. I have had a single bar offered to me for more than $1,000! This example is in very fine condition. $275.00 Reduced to $240.00!!

 

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22-64 COLONIAL "ELEPHANT" BADGE. In postwar Germany, two different types of badges were awarded to those men who had spent time in Germany’s overseas colonies. First was the "Lion Badge," which was awarded in two classes. The second was the "Elephant Badge," which we are offering today. This is a particularly striking example. It comes from the estate of a longtime German collector who kept the badge in his collection for more than forty years. The badge exhibits a superb patina. The badge measures 2 ½" x 2 ½." Its central theme is an elephant with his trunk and tusks raised up. Below the elephant is an arrangement of oak Leaves. Around the badge’s interior Germany’s overseas colonies are mentioned. From left to right they are: Sudsee, Afrika, and Kiautschou. The reverse reveals a sturdy pin and the Ges. Geschütz number 33992. The badge comes in a modern-day presentation box, which is NOT original to the badge. It is German, however, and displays well. It is as fine an example of this badge as I have ever acquired. You will really like this one. $450.00 Reduced to $395.00!!

 

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23-116 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A GENERAL ADJUTANT IN THE RANK OF GENERALLEUTNANT - BAVARIA. This is a wonderful pair of shoulder boards for a generalleutnant who served as a General Adjutant. At this rank and with the Wittelsbach Crown this man would have been the Adjutant to the King of Bavaria. These shoulder boards are of the M-1910 variety. They were used not only prior to the beginning of WW I, but also through most of the war. [A later model is known as the M-1915. These are more commonly called "feldgrau" shoulder boards. The gold and silver bullion braid is no longer used and the material is subdued]. These fine shoulder boards measure 5" x 2 1/8." If you look closely at the silver Russian braid, you will see that it is interwoven with blue chevrons, which confirms that these are Bavarian boards.  Each shoulder board has a gilt crown, indicating that the officer was a General Adjutant. In addition each shoulder board has a single pip indicating the rank of generalleutnant. These shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety and have a red backing. The shoulder boards are far rarer than a standard generalleutnant’s due to this officer’s service as a General Adjutant. This is simply a superb pair of shoulder boards. $1,495.00 Reduced to $1,295.00!!AQ

 

 

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23-274 M-1915 FELDGRAU GENERAL der INFANTERIE SHOULDER BOARDS - ARMEEKORPS Nr 26 - PRUSSIA. This is a wonderful pair of M-1915 feldgrau a General der Infanterie shoulder boards. A General der Infanterie was the equivalent of a U. S. Army Lieutenant General. Typically, a General der Infanterie commanded an ArmeeKorps, which consisted of three or more divisions. This ArmeeKorps was established before/after WW I’s buildup and outbreak. Another way to think of feldgrau shoulder boards is as "subdued," not as flashy or colorful as the prewar variety. For some reason I do not fully understand, I do not see as many M-1915 shoulder boards as I do prewar variety. Generals, of course, were not obligated to use the M-1915 style, especially not the more senior generals, who often used the prewar style. Each shoulder board measures 4 1/4" x 1 3/4." It features a subdued, golden, Russian-style bullion rope intertwined with a feldgrau rope. The rope displays the small white and black chevrons that indicate the officer was Prussian. Two gilt pips confirm his rank. [Note: On German general’s shoulder boards: No pips indicate a Generalmajor, one pip is a Generalleutnant, two pips mean a General der Infanterie, Kavallerie, or Artillerie, and three pips mean a Generaloberst. A Generalfeldmarschall had crossed batons. Four pips were used for a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall, as were three pips with crossed batons. The final rank was reserved for royalty acting in an à la Suite capacity]. The number "26" between the two rank pips identifies ArmeeKorps Nr 26. Each shoulder board is set on a white trim that extends all around the shoulder board’s edges. The same material serves as its backing. By examining the shoulder boards’ sides and reverses, you can determine that the officer chose to sew them onto his tunic rather than using the slip-on method. Since the two boards have been removed from a tunic, the white material has separated as a result of being cut from the tunic. This is a minor flaw. These are a very rare and important pair of shoulder boards. The new owner can spend some time researching the various general(s) who served as ArmeeKorps Nr 26 commander(s) from 1915 through 1918. $1,995.00 Reduced to $1,750.00!!

 

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23-266 SINGLE GENERAL der INFANTERIE SHOULDER BOARD - KAISER ALEXANDER GARDE-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 1 - PRUSSIA. This is a single General der Infanterie’s shoulder board from Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1. The regiment, along with 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß, was one of the two most elite infantry regiments in the Prussian Army. These two regiments were unique among Prussian infantry regiments in that they still utilized mitres for special parade occasions. Both of these regiments, along with the Regiment der Garde du Corps, were filled with the flower of Prussian royalty and nobility. Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1 was raised in 1814, during the height of the Napoleonic Wars. It was named in honor of Prussia’s ally, Tsar Alexander of Russia. It was garrisoned in Berlin. Like all Garde-Regiments, it was a part of the GardeKorps. This massive shoulder board boasts the large crowned (Russian style) cypher "A" for Alexander, with a "1" for the first of the Garde-Grenadier-Regiments. Two gilt-toned pips indicate the rank. The shoulder boards measure a massive 5 3/4" x 2 1/2." They have a white underlay. If we look at our 1914 Rangliste for the regiment, we see a General der Infanterie Freiherr von Scheffer-Boyadel listed as an à la Suite to the regiment. As he was the only officer of this rank attached to the regiment, then clearly this once belonged to him. I see that the man held no other responsibilities at this time, so he was probably retired. He still retained an honorary position with the regiment. It is a very handsome shoulder board. The crown and cypher are just beautiful, quite large and thick. $695.00 Reduced to $610.00!!AQ

 

 

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23-226 SINGLE GENERALLEUTNANT A La SUITE SHOULDER BOARD - PRUSSIA. This is a single Prussian Army generalleutnant’s shoulder board. The shoulder board measures 5 1/4" x 2 1/4." It displays red felt backing. It has gilt and silver "Russian" bullion rope braid. The silver braid sports Prussia’s black chevrons. Since the shoulder board is for a generalleutnant, it boasts a single pip. The rank of generalleutnant is similar to that of a major general in the U.S. Army. $325.00   Reduced to $285.00!

AQ

 

 

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23-221 SINGLE GENERALLEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARD - PRUSSIA. This is a single generalleutnant shoulder board from the Prussian Army. The board dates from about 1910. It features silver and gold "Russian" braid. The silver braid sports the black chevrons indicating the man came from Prussia. A single gilt pip denotes his rank of generalleutnant. The reverse features red felt backing, and the tab by which this slip-on shoulder board was attached to the tunic. The shoulder board measures 4 1/2" x 2." $365.00   Reduced to $320.00!!

 

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23-286 PAIR OF GENERAL À LA SUITE IN THE RANK OF GENERAL der INFANTERIE’S EPAULETTES - SAXONY. General officer’s epaulettes are always prized. This set is especially interesting as they have a lot going for them. These epaulettes are for a General à la Suite from the Kingdom of Saxony. In addition to being for an à la suite officer, they are in the rank of General der Infanterie (or Kavallerie or Artillerie, for that matter). Virtually all of the materials are silver-toned. This includes the officer’s pips, the moon-shaped trim. Red trim appears on the edge of the tongue ringlets, background and the bulk of the "tongue," which permitted the epaulettes being mounted on a tunic. On this "tongue," we also see a red trim band and two embedded green bands (indicating Saxony). You will also note that each epaulette has a silver, Saxon-style button at the "tongue’s" end. As we examine the epaulettes’ reverse, we see a red felt background, a blue velvet trim, and a substantial leather backing. Some wear shows at the "tongue’s" end, with respect to the red covering. This is a very high-quality pair of epaulettes. $1,795.00 Reduced to $1,575.00!!

23-289 SINGLE EPAULETTE - HAUPTMANN - LEIB-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 109 - BADEN. This is a single epaulette for a hauptmann and company commander in 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. The fabled infantry regiment was formed during the Napoleonic Wars in 1803. It was garrisoned in the capital city of Karlsruhe. It was attached to the XIV. ArmeeKorps. The epaulette’s overall condition is excellent. The obverse’s background is silver bullion. Mounted on that background is the Grand Duke of Baden’s crown and a hauptmann’s twin pips. The half moon’s metal trim is also silver. The epaulette’s reverse is covered in red felt. It is a very exciting and seldom-seen epaulette. $295.00 Reduced to $260.00!!

 

 

 

23-236 PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - GARDE-REITER-REGIMENT-SAXONY. This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from the Kingdom of Saxony’s Königl Sächs Garde-Reiter-Regiment (1. Schweres Regiment). Like the Regiment der Garde du Corps in the Prussian Army, the Garde-Reiter-Regiment (GRR) was the Saxon Army’s most elite cavalry regiment, and an elite unit that was the backbone of the King of Saxony’s personal guard. These shoulder boards date from the period of 1904 to 1914, when König Friedrich August III was Saxony’s ruler. The Garde-Reiter-Regiment was first formed in 1680. It was garrisoned in the capital city of Dresden, where it was attached to the XII. ArmeeKorps. Each of these shoulder boards measures 3 3/4" x 1 1/2." They were used on the daily-dienst (service) tunic, and not for parade purposes. The shoulder boards are made of silver bullion. If you look carefully at the bullion, you can detect the green chevrons that confirm the boards are from a Saxon regiment. Furthermore, each of the shoulder boards displays a gilt crown and König Friedrich August III’s Royal Cypher ("FR"). The shoulder boards sport a blue underlay, which is a clue that they are cavalry and from Königl Sächs Garde-Reiter-Regiment (1. Schweres Regiment). The final detail about the shoulder boards is that they are of the sewn-in variety, which was common for junior officers such as a leutnant. $695.00Reduced to $610.00!!

 

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23-172 PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 12 - SAXONY. This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from Königl. Sächs 12. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 177. This was among the last of the Saxon regiments raised prior to WW I, and still considered an "old-time" regiment. The regiment was established in 1897. It was garrisoned in the capital city of Dresden, where it was assigned to the XII. Armeekorps. They measure 5 1/4" x 1 1/4," and are narrow like a Grenadier’s shoulder boards. These shoulder boards date prior to 1900. Thus they were used when the regiment was first established. Each features the regimental designation "12." They are of the slip-on variety. They display some minor moth nips in the red trim on the obverse. $175.00  Reduced to $155.00!!

 

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23-285 NCO/ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAPS - FELDFIEGER-ABTEILUNG Nr 1. This is an excellent pair of shoulder straps for an enlisted man/NCO, who served from Feldflieger-Abteilung Nr 1. These straps measure 5" x 2." They are a darker-gray, more charcoal than feldgrau. Stitched on each strap are the Fliegertruppen’s red, winged propeller, and a number "1." These are un-issued and in mint condition. $295.00 Reduced to $260.00!!

23-188 ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAPS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 105 - SAXONY. This is a pair of enlisted man’s shoulder straps from Königl. Sachs 5. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz Nr 104 from the Kingdom of Saxony. This was the third oldest infantry regiment in Saxony. The regiment was founded in 1701 and based in Chemnitz. It was assigned to the XIX. Armeekorps. These shoulder straps are blue, with red trim around the edges. Embroidered in yellow on each of the straps is a crown and royal cypher. These straps are in very fine condition. They were clearly worn on a tunic and then removed. $150.00 Reduced to $130.00!!

23-294 PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN/NCO FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 84. This is a pair of enlisted man/NCO feldgrau shoulder straps from Infanterie–Regiment von Manstein (Schleswigsches) Nr 84. Each of the straps measures 4 3/4" x 2 1/4." The regimental number is embroidered on the straps in red. Some light mothing appears on the obverse of each strap. They remain in very attractive condition. $150.00 Reduced to $130.00!!

24-37 TWO KAISERS DESK PIECE. This is a very fine desk piece that features Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Kaiser Franz Josef of Austria. The base of the desk piece is a substantial (and heavy) black marble. It measures 3 ½" x 3 3/8". The circular inset features the two Kaisers in profile. Wilhelm II is in front, wearing a full parade Garde du Corps helmet with a Hohenzollern Eagle mounted at the top. This brass-toned inset measures 2 7/8" in diameter. This is of very high quality and in excellent condition. $275.00 Reduced to $240.00!!

 

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24-116 MAUSER RIFLE STOCK PEN & INK STAND. I have always had a fondness for pen and ink stands. During the Imperial German Period, keeping an orderly AND interesting desk was very important to businessmen, scholars, soldiers and other important fellows. Trench art was a way to use items that a soldier might see on a daily basis and fashion them into useful objects. This pen and ink stand fills that bill quite attractively. The man who crafted this clearly had an eye for the unusual and for a means to make a desk unique. A rifle stock has been cut into a piece 11 1/2" in length. The metal butt plate (with screws) remains in place. Three metal plates were screwed into the stock. In the center is a small ink bottle. The ink bottle could hold a small amount of ink, but has an oversized lid which also served as a magnifier. Two gun sights have been fashioned into either hooks on which to hang items or to lay pens across. They flank the ink bottle. Attached is one of the swivel loops that would have originally held the rifle’s leather sling. At the bottom of the stock, three shell casings have been screwed into the base. These act as feet to hold the pen and ink stand in an upright position. If you are looking for something really different for your desk or for display on a table or bookcase, you MUST consider this. I was quite taken with it. If you take a moment or two to study it in detail, you will be, too. $495.00 Reduced to $435.00!!

24-117 LETTER OPENER - STAG HANDLE. This is an interesting letter opener that once rested on a gentleman’s or officer’s desk. The handle comes from a stag’s antler. Hunting was and is still a very popular activity in Germany. The overall length of the letter opener, from antler tip to blade tip is 12." The stag handle by itself measures 6 1/2," while the blade measures 5 1/2." The blade has a fine, mirrored finish. It has a scabbard to protect the blade when not in use. It measures 5 1/2" x 1." The scabbard is made of leather with brass trim around the edge. $150.00 Reduced to $130.00!!

 

 

13-587 NAVY CIGAR CUTTER. This is an interesting desk piece and cigar cutter. An officer might have displayed it on his desk or in the sitting area of his home or quarters, where he could relax while enjoying a cigar. The cigar cutter boasts an exquisitely finished wooden base. It is 4" in diameter at the base, and stands 3" tall. Mounted on it is what I believe to be an artillery shell fuse. It displays markings from 4 to 50, which helped setting the fuse. More markings, "Dopp. Z. C/96 Sp.," appear above the first. A plunger at the top has a gilt-toned, Kaiserliche Marine button mounted on it. The shaft on which the button is mounted displays a small hole in which the cigar is inserted. When the shaft is depressed, the end of the cigar is cut. It is now ready to smoke. Overall, the cigar cutter is 7" tall. $295.00   Reduced to $260.00!!

 

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24-112 DESK PIECE - ARTILLERY SHELL FUZE. This is a most interesting desk piece. The base is fashioned to look like an artillery shell. It is actually made of stone rather than brass, and is painted. Set atop it is an actual fuze from a German artillery shell. All of the various numbers and markings by which the fuze would be set before firing are present. It appears that the fuze was an M-1896. The fuze lifts up. A small compartment sits below where small objects or a small ink well could be stored. Attached to the desk piece’s back is a horse shoe. The horse shoe remains a very lucky symbol to this day in Germany. Attached to the horse shoe are four hooks from which various items can be hung. It could be a most interesting way to display four medals! This desk piece has a lot of character. $250.00 Reduced to $210.00!!

24-113 SMALL STAHLHELM BANK/DESK PIECE. This is a small stahlhelm that was once a bank. It measures 5" x 4" x 3" and is green in color. Its exterior has 3-4 very small dents. It also has the lugs where a sniper or a machine gunner’s brow plate would have been attached. A small slit has been cut in the helmet’s back to insert the coins. The reverse once had a small trap door through which the coins were removed. The trap door is no longer present. This would make a very interesting desk piece for you helmet collectors. $250.00 Reduced to $210.00!

 

25-19 MINI VETERAN BANNER. This small banner was perhaps used at a veteran’s association meeting and was placed on a table hung from a small flag pole. The banner measures 12 ½" x 8" and is silk, with high-quality embroidered descriptive and decorative writing. This banner is for 1. Oberrheinisches Infantry-Regiment Nr 97. This Prussian regiment was founded in 1881. It was disbanded in 1918 at the end of WW I. The banner has a wooden horizontal pole that holds the banner up for display. It has a green background with a white bandeau displaying the various campaigns in which the regiment participated. On the bandeau is the creation date of the regiment, along with when it was disbanded. In the center of the bandeau is a black Iron Cross with the date of 1914. A crowned royal cypher over crossed swords also appears. At the bottom of the banner is some fine gold fringe. $575.00 Reduced to $495.00!!

 

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25-71 BRASS FLAG TOPPER - REGIMENTAL STANDARD COLORS CASE. This is an interesting brass topper for a Prussian regimental standard colors’ case. The case protected the regimental colors when not in use or during inclement weather. The item is triangular-shaped. It measures 8 1/4" x 6 3/4"  at the widest point. It appears to be an earlier example. It could come from the early days of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s reign, or perhaps even from his Grandfather König/Kaiser Wilhelm I’s time. In looking at an example that we know comes from after 1900, a number of small details show us this is not as ornately made as the later example. The cypher (WR), which is crowned, is not nearly as decorative or ornate. Other small details lead us to believe such is the case. The apex of the topper features a small ball. The overall weight of the topper is 11.6 ounces. At the topper’s bottom are dozens of small holes where it was sewn to the colors’ case. It is very well made, with a fine patina. $695.00 Reduced to $610.00!!

13-245 KAISERLICHE MARINE FLAG FOR A KONTERADMIRAL FOR USE ABOARD HIS FLAGSHIP. This is a very rare flag for a Konteradmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine. This large flag, which measures 2.4 meters x 2.4 meters, has its original rope lanyards. These would have flown from the admiral’s flagship. The size and the rank of the flag are stenciled in black on the bunting. As this is a larger flag, there are several areas of moth nips. There is one tear in it and a stained area. The basic theme is a black cross on a white background. Two black "meatballs" denote the rank of the flag. This flag is very rare since there were few admirals at sea with their ships. A real find for the navy collector. $895.00 Reduced to $775.00!!

 

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25-73 FLAG - SINGING GROUP 1889-1906 - LINDENBERG. This is a most unusual flag, which was used by a singing group located in Lindenburg, which is in Bavaria. The flag measures 44" x 44." It is quite ornate and made of silk or satin. The central design is framed with red holly berries and green leaves, as well as sparkling gold bullion curlicues. An oak tree branch curves up along the left side. It is decorated with embroidered leaves in various shades of green, and acorns bedecked with gold bullion. A songbook nestles among the leaves, as well as a blue and white (Bavaria’s official colors) ribbon tied in a bow. Further up is an elaborate scroll in blue, white and red, edged with gold bullion, proclaiming that the group was founded in 1889 (gegr. 1889). The center of the flag reads " Besang-Verein -Sängerlust -Lindenberg - 1906 (Singing Association "Singer’s Desire," Lindenberg, 1906)." The letters are embroidered in gorgeous blue thread and gold bullion, bedecked and embellished with even more bullion, ornate designs, coils and squiggles. The flag is one-sided and was probably displayed on a wall. It is VERY well made. It shows its age around the edges with some loose threads and in a few darker spots on the flag’s body. After all, it IS 103-years-old. It would make a fantastic wall covering.$275.00 Reduced to $240.00!

 

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26-14 BRONZE OF THE HAND AND BATON OF GENERALFELDMARSCHALL PAUL von HINDENBURG. This exciting item represents the first of a new line we will be offering at Der Rittmeister Militaria. While we have dealt in the various forms of classic militaria for years, we now want to explore Imperial German martial artwork in greater depth. This will include bronzes, paintings, and other objets d’art. Our first offering is a very rare bronze representing the hand and marschall’s baton of Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. Arguably, von Hindenburg was the best-known and most respected, in Germany, of its field commanders. When the war began in 1914, he was retired. He was called back to service and given command of German armies in the East. It was here that he was first teamed with General Erich Ludendorff. Together they achieved a wonderful victory at Tannenberg in Eastern Prussia. This proved to be one of the greatest military victories of WW I. In this battle an outnumbered German Army outmaneuvered the Russians, then dealt them a crushing defeat. For this victory, honors were heaped on von Hindenburg, including the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. From that point forward von Hindenburg and Ludendorff acted as one during the rest of WW I. It is also while he commanded the armies in the East that we are brought to the story behind this historically important bronze we are offering. Throughout the war, Kaiser Wilhelm II was much involved in the military affairs of his armies. He fancied himself a military strategist (much as did a certain Bavarian corporal with HIS armies during WW II)! The Kaiser was constantly involved in the smallest issues. It seems he felt that he needed some army units from von Hindenburg’s command for the West and arranged for their transfer. Von Hindenburg was a strong willed man in his own right and protested this vehemently. Wilhelm II turned a deaf ear to these protestations. Von Hindenburg then dispatched a major from his staff to Berlin. The major, at von Hindenburg’s behest, went to Kaiser Wilhelm II’s wife, the Kaiserin Auguste Victoria. As one might expect, this did not sit well with the Kaiser! It was certainly a time when the messenger was blamed for his message. The major was removed from von Hindenburg’s staff. Although he may not have spent the rest of the war peeling potatoes in the hinterlands, he was sent somewhere much less important than being on von Hindenburg’s staff! Again, if von Hindenburg had been unhappy when his units were taken away from him, he was even less pleased when his staffer was transferred as well. Thus began a period of very cool relations between von Hindenburg and the Kaiser. The Kaiserin tried to patch things up between the two men. As a part of that effort she commissioned the well-known sculptor professor Stanislaus Cauer to make a bronze showing a hand laid horizontally on a platform holding a generalfeldmarschall’s baton. At some point in 1915 von Hindenburg, in his own attempt to reconcile with his Kaiser, commissioned a similar bronze. It had some differences. While the first bronze showed the hand and baton in a horizontal position, the von Hindenburg version was vertical. The one of the copies of the latter is what we are offering to you. The arm serves as the base. The generalfeldmarschall’s baton is clutched in the air by a right hand with a wedding ring on the ring finger. The detail to the baton is remarkable. It looks like the scale of the hand and baton are just about correct for an actual hand and baton. The sides of the baton are covered with alternating rows of Hohenzollern Eagles and Crowns. On the underneath of the arm is covered by the engraving of the presentation for this piece. This particular example was the one presented to von Hindenburg’s trusted deputy, Generalleutnant Erich Ludendorff. The engraving reads as follows: "Meinem Generalstabschef Gen. Lt. Ludendorff von Hindenburg 9 April 1915 Lötzen." As you will note from the attached photos of the base, the signature of von Hindenburg correctly recreates HIS signature! Also on the base is the signature of the artist Professor Stanislaus Cauer, who was the artist of the first bronze. Cauer was a premiere artist in Germany when it came to the design and manufacture of bronzes for royalty and the military. This information is contained in a recently released book on the history of the batons of generalfeldmarschalls and großadmirals. This book is "Mythos Marschallstab der Marschallstab in der Preußischen und Deutschen Geshichte von 1852 bis 1945" by André Stirenberg, copyright 2004, H. M. Hauschild Gmbh, Bremen. This interesting book follows the development and the differences in the batons carried by generalfeldmarschalls and großadmirals. The information, which will be shipped with this bronze, appears on pages 124 and 125. The bronze stands 11 3/4" at its tallest point. The section of arm to the knuckle of the index hand is 9." The overall length of the generalfeldmarschall’s baton is 12 1/4." It weighs 4 pounds, 14 ½ ounces. It is my understanding that three to five of these were created. This example was acquired indirectly from the widow of General Ludendorff. [As an aside, and to show the importance and respect given to Ludendorff both by von Hindenburg and Kaiser Wilhelm II, he was awarded the Pour le Mérite and Pour le Mérite with Oak Leaves. He was one of the six recipients, the lowest ranked, of the 1914 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross]. This is an amazing artifact. In addition to being historically significant, it a beautiful piece of art. It highlights the elegance of the high-end bronzes produced in Imperial Germany. $9,495.00. . Reduced to $8,350.00!!

 

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18-169 VASE WITH A SOLDIER ON IT. This is a small vase that would be suitable for holding a bud or other small flower. The flower holder looks like a guard house or door and stands 4". A soldier wearing a pickelhaube and holding his Mauser stands against it. It is in charming condition. $100.00 Reduced to $88.00!!

 

 

26-30 PORCELAIN FIGURINE - 18TH CENTURY OFFICER - GOEBEL. This is a fine, hand painted figurine of an 18th Century officer. It is complete, undamaged and in pristine condition. It is marked for Goebel in W. Germany. It probably was produced in the 1970's or 1980's, before Germany’s reunification. The figure stands 7 3/4" tall. $250.00 Reduced to $220.00!!

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03-87 METAL TOBACCO BOX - FREDERICK THE GREAT’S TIME. This is a highly unusual, detailed metal tobacco box from 1750 to 1775, during Frederick the Great’s (Friedrich der Große) reign. He was the first of the well-known Prussian kings, the man who set Prussia (later Germany) on its course toward a greater role in European politics. The brass box measures 6 1/4" x 1 3/4," and weighs 6 ounces. The box is hinged. The box’s top depicts the Prussian Army at battle. Part of the battlefield is labeled "Prussian Armee," while the other section is labeled "Schwerin’s Armee." It is all dated 6 May 1757. To the left is a description of the action in which the Prussian Army vanquished the Austrians. To the right, the King of Prussia and his (period) military commanders are listed. The box’s bottom reveals a scene where mounted generals looking down at a battle in a valley. The date, 31 July 1760, and the battle’s name are mentioned. The wording on the top and bottom has faded somewhat from age. The box’s bottom half has some damage to one corner, where a 3/4" portion of the metal trim is missing. This is an amazing piece that depicts Germany’s military history of more than two-hundred-fifty-years ago. $750.00 Reduced to $650.00!!

03-37 CHRISTMAS CIGARETTE CASE. This is a very attractive cigarette case commemorating Weihnachten (Christmas) 1916. This information is displayed on the outside lid along with "Hohenlohe," which is a place. There is also an enamel badge in the lower right corner that has what appears to be initials and a "2". This may be for a military unit. The enamel is three different colors. The case is marked for Alpaca Silver on the catch to open the case. The case measures 3 ½" x 3." There are no elastic keepers in the interior. A very handsome and high-quality cigarette case. $395.00 Reduced to $350.00!!

 

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02-275 SEVEN-PLACE MEDAL BAR. This is a seven-place medal bar. It is an officer’s level medal bar, as it displays two Knight’s Cross-level awards. From left to right are the following:

 

*1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class.

*Twenty-Year Long-Service Cross.

*König Ludwig Cross - Bavaria.

*War Service Cross for Combatants - Lippe-Detmold.

*Hanseatic Cross - Hamburg. Some enamel damage appears on the 3 o’clock arm.

*Friedrich Order Knight’s Cross 3rd Class - Württemberg. Some chipping appears on the 3 o’clock arm, as well as a very small chip on the 6 o’clock arm at the frame.

*Order of Christ 3^rd Class - Portugal.

The ribbons show some slight toning. This is a very unusual combination of medals. It measures 7 1/2" x 2." $1,350.00 Reduced to $1,175.00!!

 

02-257 TWO-PLACE MEDAL BAR. This is a two-place medal bar in good condition. From left to right, it reveals the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class, and the War Service Cross 2nd Class from Braunschweig. The medals are in excellent condition. The ribbons are also in fine condition, revealing only minor soiling. $195.00 Reduced to $170.00!!

 

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02-185 SEVEN-PLACE RIBBON BAR. This is an officer’s-level seven-place ribbon bar. Included in the ribbons are the 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class for Non Combatants, Kriegshilfekreuz, Red Eagle Order, Crown Order, Officer’s Long Service Award, Kaiser Wilhelm I Centennial Medal, and a medal from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. This was most likely a ribbon bar for a doctor. Seldom do we see the Iron Cross 2^nd Class with the Non Combatants ribbon. $375.00  Reduced to $330.00!!

 

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18-223 PATRIOTIC BEER KRUG. This is a wonderful earthenware beer krug of the ½ litre variety. Across the front of the krug is a colorful and marvelously executed kriegsflagge. The krug is in excellent condition. It has a simple metal cover that flips up to give access to the krug’s contents. $295.00 Reduced to $260.00!!

 

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18-321 PLATE - MILITARY THEMES FROM CHILD’S VIEWPOINT - KPM. This is an interesting plate, which comes from the noted Prussian porcelain firm, KPM. KPM was located in Berlin and served every Prussian King and Kaiser from Frederick the Great onward. By the time KPM was serving Kaiser Wilhelm II, they were producing large numbers (in terms of place settings) of tableware and in multiple patterns. As if it were not enough that they produced tableware for all the various castles wherein the Kaiser entertained, they also produced tableware for the Kaiser’s ships. Tableware had to be provided for the S. M. S. Deutschland (the ship he sailed on when he was with the fleet) and the S. M. S. Hohenzollern (his primary yacht). This gives you just a hint of the quantity, not to mention the quality of the items that KPM produced. They did other work aside from the royal family (this included the Kaiserin, the Kaiser’s children, and other Princes of the House of Hohenzollern). The plate measures 7 3/4” in diameter. It is multicolored and has an angel as the central motif. Around the angel are items that appeal to children, although most are of a military nature. One sees a teddy bear wearing a busby. An airplane appears, as well as a cannon and a drum. Even a zeppelin shows up. The plate’s obverse is in excellent condition. As we examine the reverse, we see the hallmarking for KPM. Also a chip is present here, which, while unfortunate, does not detract from the overall presentation of the plate. $395.00 Reduced to $350.00!!

18-316 SILVER PRESENTATION GOBLET - .800 SILVER. This is a most interesting silver presentation goblet. It stands 4 3/4” tall. It measures 3 3/4” in diameter at the rim, and 2 3/4” in diameter at the base. The goblet’s top is greatly expanded from its stem. The stem sports a rather whimsical design resembling upright and reversed balloons! The goblet’s top has an engraving in script which is dated 1917. The middle line is one word, “Wollart,” which might be the owner’s name. We do NOT have a clue what the rest of the engraving says! If any of our sharp-eyed readers can look at the accompanying photos and give us the translation, we will be happy to share it. The goblet’s base has hallmarking for its manufacturer, Kiesel, and the appropriate .800 silver hallmarks. As this is a superior-quality silver goblet, it displays an absolutely luscious patina, which confirms it has not been cleaned in quite awhile. (Just the way that I like them)! It is a charming piece that would enhance any collection. $550.00 Reduced to $475.00!!

 

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