Austria – Patriotic Pin – Red Cross
Round metal with colorized inlay patriotic pin for Austria’s Crown Prince Franz Josef Otto with a photo of a young Red Cross worker….
HESSE-DARMSTADT – MILITARY RED CROSS SERVICE CROSS
This is an interesting decoration that comes from the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. It is the Military Red Cross Service Cross. It was awarded to soldiers who were serving in a Red Cross capacity. It is an interestingly-shaped cross, of a type rarely seen among German decorations…
AUSTRIA / GERMANY – PLATE – PATRIOTIC – GERMAN RED CROSS FROM THE PERIOD OF 1915
This is an interesting plate which commemorates the German Red Cross from 1915. It also commemorates the alliance between Germany and Austria……
SAXONY – TABLE MEDAL – SAXON RED CROSS – MEISSEN – CASED
This is a fascinating item. We have never seen anything like it before. It is a cased set of four table medals for the Saxon Red Cross, made by the famed porcelain manufacturer Meissen……
VIVAT RIBBON COMMEMORATING RED CROSS MEDICAL PERSONNEL’S EFFORTS
Vivat ribbons were very popular German patriotic items, primarily during the early and mid-war periods. They were made of silk. Most measure approximately 2 ½” x 16.” In addition to being patriotic, they also often benefitted the German Red Cross. This example salutes the efforts of Red Cross medics (Sanitäters). These brave men were volunteers. They went on the battlefield to bring back the wounded for medical attention. It involved them entering “No Man’s Land,” which was extremely hazardous. Three vignettes on the Vivat celebrate their efforts. The top features a dog and man working together to retrieve the battlefield’s wounded. The dogs were specially trained to help find the wounded, who were not always clearly visible. The middle scene depicts a battlefield, complete with a trench. A pair of volunteers carries a stretcher, while the wounded call to them from the trench. The bottom displays a horse drawn ambulance caravan. Beneath the top scene the words “Zum Besten des” (the best of the) appear above the Red Cross emblem. Between the second and third scenes is the phrase “Edel Sei der Mensch Hilfreich und gut” (Precious is the good and helpful man). The Vivat’s color is light-red. The Berlin manufacturer’s name appears at the bottom.
AUSTRIA – RED CROSS DECORATION – WAR SERVICE – ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE
Beautifully maintained, Austrian Red Cross Decoration for Service during Wartime. The Austrian Red Cross Decoration was issued from 1864 through 1914. As with most Austrian decorations, the enamel work it is simply gorgeous. The cross is elongated and measures 1 3/4″ x 1 1/2.” Its arms are white and red enamel. A red cross is in the center and a gorgeous green enamel wreath joins the four arms together….
GERMANY – RED CROSS MEDAL – 3rd CLASS – ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE
The Red Cross Medal 3rd Class was awarded to workers who assisted in Red Cross activities….
GERMANY – RED CROSS MEDAL – 3rd CLASS – ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE
This is the Red Cross Medal 3rd Class. It was awarded to those workers who assisted in Red Cross activities. The medal is gilt-toned and measures 1 1/4″ in diameter. The obverse features a cross. Each arm’s top is crowned. Among the arms are the letters W, R, V, and A….
GERMANY – RED CROSS WORKER MEDAL – 3rd CLASS – WITH BOW
This example was meant for a female worker, as its ribbon is tied in a bow. Both medal and ribbon are in very fine condition….
GERMANY – RED CROSS WORKER MEDAL – 2nd CLASS
This is the 2nd Class level of the Red Cross Worker Medal, which was awarded to both men and women from 1898 through 1921. The Red Cross that appears on the 2nd Class medal is made of red enamel. The decoration and ribbon are both in very fine condition. As the ribbon is the straight variety, our example was meant for a male worker…
ANHALT – FREDRICH CROSS – 1914 – 2ND CLASS
Anhalt was a small principality ruled by Prince Friedrich, with an 1890 population of 271,000, so small that it fielded a single Infantry Regiment. With WW I’s outbreak and Kaiser Wilhelm’s re-institution of the Iron Cross in 1914, many other states, including Anhalt, brought forward their own versions….
IRON CROSS – 1870 – 2nd CLASS AND 25-YEAR OAK LEAVES WITH RED-EAGLE-STYLE PRESENTATION CASE
This is a consignment item. It is a very handsome presentation of a high-quality 1870 Iron Cross in top condition. Its paint is nearly-perfect. It comes from a manufacturer who cared about his work and wanted to present a top-shelf product. He was completely successful in this effort! As handsome as the Iron Cross is, the 25-Year Jubilee Oak Leaves are the real stars. Their silver sports a high, frosted finish that just glows where it is attached to the ribbon. Speaking of the ribbon, it is extra-long, measuring approximately 9″ in length (it is folded in half and sewn together).
The Iron Cross is housed in an INcorrect red leatherette case. The case measures 3/4″ x 2 1/8″ x 2 5/8.” It is similar to, or IS, a Red Eagle Order 3rd or 4th Class’s case. The case has black silk and velvet lining its inner top and bottom halves. It also sports a most-handsome gold trim around its lower half.
BAVARIA – BREAST STAR – GRAND CROSS OF MILITARY MAX JOSEPH – EMBROIDERED – (REPRODUCTION)
REPRODUCTION of the Grand Cross of the Military Max Joseph. It is embroidered rather than made of metal. Such embroidered breast stars were referred to as “Tinsel Stars” in Germany. Commonly used during the 18th and 19th Centuries, they were most popular prior to the 1840’s….
Germany – Iron Cross – 1st Class – 1914 – Identified – with Presentation case and transport box
During World War I there were approximately 218,00 Iron Crosses issued. Upon award they were issued in a presentation case which in turn was housed in a cardboard transmittal carton. It is difficult to find an Iron Cross in the presentation box and even more difficult to find them in the transmittal carton. Frankly the carton is worth more than the Iron Cross and presentation case….
Germany – Hindenburg Star of the Iron Cross – 1914 – Museum Copy
This is a high quality example of a museum copy of the Hindenburg Star. Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg was the ONLY man to receive this decoration. It was common practice to offer reproductions to museums so that they might display it with other orders and decorations in the museum’s collections and to interested collectors….
Germany – Iron Cross – 1914 – 1st Class – Vaulted – Godet Berlin
Often when we see a Godet 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class we see a “G” on the pin. Today we see a far different example in more than one way. The aforementioned Godet Iron Cross with the “G” on the pin was of a flat design similar to the “KO” issue pieces….
Germany – Presentation Box – Iron Cross 1st Class
This NOT a period piece but was manufactured in more modern times. It is square in shape and rests on four claw feet. It appears to be made of brass or some other base metal with a gold toned coating….
Germany – Presentation Box – Iron Cross 1st Class
This NOT a period piece but was manufactured in more modern times. It is circular in shape and rests on four claw feet. It appears to be made of brass or some other base metal with a gold toned coating….
Germany – Watch Fob – Iron Cross Motif
There are a total of seven Iron Crosses. Each of the Iron Crosses is double sided with the obverse image of a 1914 Iron Cross….
GERMANY – PHOTO FRAME – IRON CROSS
This is a frame which is in the shape of an Iron Cross with an oval opening which allows a photograph or CdV to be placed. On the obverse there is also a wreath which is combined of oak and laurel leaves. At the top there is a crown. Above the crown there is also a small eyelet which permit the frame to hang from the wall…
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – RITTMEISTER MANFRED FREIHERR VON RICHTHOFEN – NR 534
This is Sanke card Nr 534 of Manfred von Richthofen. This is known as a “Death card”. It is framed in black and has a cross after his name so we know this card was produced after his death in 1918….
PRUSSIA – POSTCARD – CROWN PRINCE WILHELM AWARDING 1914 IRON CROSS 2nd CLASSES
This color postcard which actually is in the form of a painting shows Crown Prince Wilhelm awarding 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Classes to members of his V. Armee….
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – RITTMEISTER MANFRED FREIHERR VON RICHTHOFEN -NR 533
This is Sanke card Nr 533 of von Richthofen. This is a different variation of this card. It is what I refer to as a death card. It was produced in 1918 after the death of von Richthofen in April of that year. First we see a cross after Richthofen which indicates that he was deceased. Second the card was originally bordered in black. Over time this has faded into silver due to the oxidation of the card….
WALDECK-PYRMONT – MERIT CROSS – 3RD CLASS – SILVER – 1854-1896 – COMBANTANT
This is a very rare and much desired honor cross for Waldeck Pyrmont. The award was awarded 1854-1896 during the reign of the third sovereign Prince George Victor. …
WALDECK-PYRMONT – MERIT CROSS – 3RD CLASS – SILVER – 1854-1896 – COMBANTANT
This is a very rare and much desired honor cross for Waldeck Pyrmont. The award was awarded 1854-1896 during the reign of the third sovereign Prince George Victor. …
OLDENBURG – WAR MERIT CROSS – 1ST CLASS – WITH SWORDS – COMBANTANTS RIBBON
The Oldenburg War Merit Cross First Class with Swords, in patina iron with a black paint finish and comes with a combatants blue with red striped ribbon, in mint condition and is a rare award….
OLDENBURG – FREIDRICH AUGUST CROSS – 2ND CLASS – 1914
The Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg was the equivalent to the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class.
The Friedrich August Cross is a black magnetic cross with the crowned cypher of the Grand Duke and the date 1914.
OLDENBURG – FRIEDRICH AUGUST CROSS – 2ND CLASS – 1914 – WITH LADIES HOME FRONT MERIT BOW
The blackened bronze cross with laurel wreath between the arms, with loop for ribbon suspension with ladies home front merit bow….
OLDENBURG – FREIDRICH AUGUST CROSS – 2ND CLASS – 1914 – NON COMBANTANT
The Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg was the equivalent to the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class.
The Friedrich August Cross is a black magnetic cross with the crowned cypher of the Grand Duke and the date 1914….
OLDENBURG – WAR MERIT CROSS – 1ST CLASS – WITH SWORDS – COMBANTANTS RIBBON
The Oldenburg War Merit Cross First Class with Swords, in patina iron with a black paint finish and comes with a combatants blue with red striped ribbon, in mint condition and is a rare award….
OLDENBURG – FREIDRICH AUGUST CROSS – 2ND CLASS – 1914 – COMBANTANT
The Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg was the equivalent to the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class.
The Friedrich August Cross is a black magnetic cross with the crowned cypher of the Grand Duke and the date 1914, circled with laurel leaves….
OLDENBURG – FREIDRICH AUGUST CROSS – 2ND CLASS – 1914
The Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg was the equivalent to the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class.
The Friedrich August Cross is a black magnetic cross with the crowned cypher of the Grand Duke and the date 1914.
MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN – MILITARY MERIT CROSS – 1870 – 2nd CLASS
The Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz) was established by Friedrich Franz II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin on August 5, 1848.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin, a grand duchy located in northern Germany, was a member of the German Confederation and later the German Empire….
HESSE-DARMSTADT – LONG SERVICE CROSS – FIFTEEN-YEAR
Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt’s Fifteen-Year Long-Service Award…..
HAMBURG – HANSEATIC CROSS
Hanseatic Crosses were issued for the three Hanseatic Free States of Hamburg, Lübeck, and Bremen. This example hails from Hamburg. It represents the city/state’s equivalent to the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class….
BRAUNSCHWEIG – WAR SERVICE CROSS – 1914 – 2nd CLASS
The Braunschweig war merit cross was instituted by Duke Ernst August on 23 October 1914, initially in one class, for merit in action and to be awarded regardless of rank. It is often known as the ‘Ernst August Cross’. On 20 March 1918, a first class of the Cross was created in pinback form….
ANHALT – FRIEDRICH CROSS – 1914 – 2nd CLASS
This is the Duchy of Anhalt’s 1914 Friedrich Cross 2nd Class for Non Combatants……
GERMANY- SANKE CARD – RITTMEISTER MANFRED FREIHERR von RICHTHOFEN – NR 533
Little need to be said about the career of Manfred von Richthofen. He was the ace of aces during WW I and no one sparks more interest in the history of aviation than him….
ANHALT – FRIEDRICH CROSS – 1st CLASS
This is the Friedrich Cross 1st Class from Anhalt. It is bronze toned and was considered the equivalent of the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. It was awarded in small numbers after WW I….
GERMANY – POSTCARD – FIRST U-BOOT COMMANDER OTTO-WEDDIGEN AND HIS U-9 WITH THE THREE BRITISH ARMORED CRUISER WHICH IT SANK
Otto Weddigen was the first U-Boot commander to be awarded the Orden Pour le Merite. He commanded the U-9 and in September 1914 he sank three British armored cruisers in one hour. For this exploit he was awarded the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. The other officers and men received the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class. Shortly there after he sank a few more ships and was awarded the Pour le Merite. He was the first Naval Officer to receive the PLM.
He was transferred to the U-29 and in March his vessel was rammed by a British battleship and sank with all hands….
GERMANY – POSTCARD – FIRST U-BOOT COMMANDER OTTO-WEDDIGEN AND HIS U-9 DURING THE SINKING OF THREE BRITISH ARMORED CRUISERS
Otto Weddigen was the first U-Boot comander to be awarded the Orden Pour le Merite. He commanded the U-9 and in September 1914 he sank three British armored cruisers in one hour. For this exploit he was awarded the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. The other officers and men received the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class. Shortly there after he sank a few more ships and was awarded the Pour le Merite. He was the first Naval Officer to receive the PLM….
MECKLENBURG STRELITZ – FÜR TAPFERKEIT CROSS – 1ST CLASS – HALLMARKED
This is the Iron Cross 1st Class equivalent for the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. This was the smaller Mecklenburg Duchy which shared the military of the grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
The cross is silver toned. It has a fine patina and has not been cleaned in decades….
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN – NR 533
This is Sanke card Nr 533 of Manfred von Richthofen. He is seen from the waist up in his ulanka and visor cap. He is wearing the Prussian Pilot badge and 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class on his left breast. His Orden Pour le Mérite is at his throat. He is looking to his left and not at the camera. He has his hand on his left hip much as his mentor Oswald Boelcke had done….
GERMANY – SANKE CAR NR 534 – MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN – DEATH CARD – NR 534
This is Sanke card Nr 534 of Manfred von Richthofen and is also a death card. The pose shows his seated wearing his visor cap. On his ulanka is pined his Prussian pilot badge and 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. He is wearing his PLM at his throat. Below his rank is his name and a cross signifying that he was deceased. The card is bordered in black….
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN – DEATH CARD – NR 619
This Sanke card Nr 619 is unique among Manfred von Richthofen cards. It is a death card. The pose of him is seen in another Sanke card. His portrait is bordered in black. His name below it shows a cross signifying that he is deceased. Below that is a touching poem….
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN – DEATH CARD – NR 619
This Sanke card Nr 619 is unique among Manfred von Richthofen cards. It is a death card. The pose of him is seen in another Sanke card. His portrait is bordered in black. His name below it shows a cross signifying that he is deceased. Below that is a touching poem….
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN – NR 7835
This is Sanke Card Nr 450 of Manfred von Richthofen. This card is notable for two reasons. It is the first Sanke card of the “Red Baron.” It is also the only pose of him in full dress uniform. The uniform is complete with his Prussian pilot badge and 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. Above that we see a four place medal bar with his Knights Cross Class of the Hohenzollern House Order with Swords. At his neck is the Orden Pour le Mérite….
GERMANY – SANKE CARD – MANFRED VON RICHTHOFEN – NR 450
This is Sanke Card Nr 450 of Manfred von Richthofen. This card is notable for two reasons. It is the first Sanke card of the “Red Baron.” It is also the only pose of him in full dress uniform. The uniform is complete with his Prussian pilot badge and 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. Above that we see a four place medal bar with his Knights Cross Class of the Hohenzollern House Order with Swords. At his neck is the Orden Pour le Mérite….