Friday 29 November 2013

Order of Prince Pribina.


Order of Prince Pribina.

 

Order of Prince Pribina. - Special Grade. A collar with breast star and sash.

Instituted on.
Rarity –Extremely Rare
Known Makers –

 

Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross.

Instituted on.
Rarity –Extremely Rare
Known Makers –

  

 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross - Obverse.
 
 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross - Reverse.
 
 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross - Obverse - Maker Mark.
 
 
 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross - Obverse- Maker Mark close up.

Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross. - Obverse.


 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross.- Sash and Badge. Obverse.
 
 

Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Cross. - With swords.

Instituted on.
Rarity –Extremely Rare
Known Makers –

  

Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Officer.

Instituted on.
Rarity –Extremely Rare
Known Makers –

  

Order of Prince Pribina. - Grand Officer. - With swords.

Instituted on.
Rarity –Extremely Rare
Known Makers –

 

Order of Prince Pribina. - Officer.

Instituted on.
Rarity – Rare
Known Makers –  

 
 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Knight. - Obverse.
 
 
Order of Prince Pribina. - Knight. - Reverse.

Order of Prince Pribina. - Officer. - With swords.

Instituted on.
Rarity – Rare
Known Makers –  

 

Order of Prince Pribina. - Knight.

Instituted on.
Rarity – Rare
Known Makers –

 

Order of Prince Pribina. - Knight. - With swords.

Instituted on.
Rarity – Rare
Known Makers –   

Wednesday 13 November 2013

War Victory Cross Order


War Victory Cross Order

 

The War Victory Cross Order ranks third in precedence among Slovak orders. It was instituted on the 11th September 1939, but went through a number of modifications and alterations during the course of its existence. The basic badge of the order is the characteristic twin armed patriarchial cross. Originally there were four grades:
1st Class with Star.
1st Class without Star.
2nd Class.
3rd Class.

The 1st Class with Star.
Instituted on.
Rarity – Extremely Rare
Known Makers –
 
War Victory Cross Order - 1st Class with Star Obverse.

 
War Victory Cross Order - 1st Class with Star Reverse.

This was the equivalent of a Grand Cross and consists of a silver breast star who’s horizontal and vertical ray’s measure 82mm and whose diagonal rays measure 72mm. In the centre is the badge of the Order in red and gold the centre is transparent red enamel. This measures 25mm high by 18mm wide. The reverse is scalloped and at the centre are two ball rivets. It has a massive hinge with a semi-circular pin, on to which is stamped the raised makers mark K in a recessed circle; this is followed by the raised silver mark 987 in a recessed oblong box.at the base is a massive “C” hook.

 
War Victory Cross Order - 1st Class with Star - Neck Badge Obverse.



War Victory Cross Order - 1st Class with Star - Neck Badge Reverse.

At the throat a patriarchial cross measuring 52mm high and 36mm wide was worn from a suspension devise in the shape of an open winged, gilt eagle which has on its chest the red/white/blue enamelled badge of Slovakia and in its talons is grasping the fasces. Beneath this is a “v” through which is a circular oues that is attached to the upper arm of the cross. The frame of this neck decoration and the rays between its arms are gilt, the centre is transparent red enamel through which as on the breast star can be seen a pattern of linden leaves. The reverse is flat with two small marks one on either of the upper protrusion, that on the left the silver grade the raised silver mark 987 in a recessed oblong box and that on the right the makers mark the raised makers mark K in a recessed circle The ribbon of the neck decoration is coral red with yellow woven linden leaves which face alternate ways and have, alternately, three and two buds each. The width of this ribbon is 37mm.
 
This award shown was awarded to General Avramescu.
 
General Avramescu.
 
 
General Avramescu  - 1941-Crimeea-Kerson.
 


The 1st Class without Star.
Instituted on.
Rarity – Rare.
Known Makers –

This is the neck decoration as found with the 1st Class with Star.

The 2nd Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

This is a similar neck decoration but with silver replacing gold, and blue enamel replacing red enamel in the centre again it is transparent. The ribbon from which this decoration hangs is blue instead of red but it has the same alternately facing linden leaves woven in yellow; it has also two 3mm broad red stripes narrowly outlined in white, one on either side of the linden leaves.

The 3rd Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

This is a plain bronze patrical cross, without the rays between the arms. Its centre is brown transparent enamel through which can be seen a pattern of linden leaves. The ribbon is 36mm wide and is red with ornamental edges in roughly triangular patterns of red, yellow, white and blue “dots” between white strips. This “folk-art” type of ribbon is unique among Slovak ribbons and is impossible to describe precisely in words.

The grade awarded depended on the rank of the recipient. The highest grade was given only to Generals, the 3rd Class only to Lieutenant-Colonels and Majors.

This configuration of steps in the Order was adequate enough for a military force not actually engaged in fighting an enemy, but after June 1941, and Slovakia’s fatal involvement in Hitler’s war against Russia, it proved necessary to revise and expand the grading of the Order.

Grand Cross.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

This was similar to the former 1st Class with Star.

Grand Cross with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

This was similar to the former 1st Class with Star, but with silver swords along the diagonal arms of the breast star. The neck decoration was replaced by a “collar” in the form of a double row of looped links; each link being a miniature of the patriarchial cross with rays between the arms, the size was 15mm by 7mm which were finely made in silver gilt. From the centre loop is suspended a small eight-pointed star. This “collar” was only worn in this grade.

The 1st Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

A neck decoration that was exactly like the previous 1st Class but with a new ribbon, the band was red with two yellow centre strips.

The 1st Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

As the 1st Class but with silver crossed swords between the arms of the cross.

The 2nd Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

Similar to the 1st Class but with silver replacing the gilt. The cross is still red transparent red enamel.

The 2nd Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

As the 2nd class with swords added between the arms of the cross.

The 3rd Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

It is a patriarchial cross in silver with blue transparent enamel centre with silver rays between the arms. It is pin backed and worn on the left breast pocket.

The 3rd Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

The same as the 3rd Class with gilt swords added between the arms of the cross.

The 4th Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

A bronze cross with a brown transparent enamel centre and “folk- art” ribbon exactly the same as for the previous 3rd Class. On this ribbon was worn a metal emblem in the form of the gilt eagle of Slovakia with the red/white/blue enamel shield on its chest and grasping in its claws a fasces.

The 4th Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

A bronze cross but with a white enamel centre. In this case the enamel is opaque, thus the linden leaf pattern which normally appears behind the transparent enamel is worked into the enamel itself. The ribbon is the same “folk-art” type as before but the metal eagle worn in the centre of the ribbon now grasps in its claws a pair of crossed swords.

In 1943 a medal was added to other revised grades, in three grades 5th, 6th, and 7th each having the addition of swords. These were to be awarded to, in the case of the 5th Class, Subalterns; the 6th and 7th Classes went only to non-commissioned ranks.

The 5th Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

This is a round medal with a diameter of 36mm. it is gilt with on the obverse a facsimile of the patriarchial cross with rays between the arms. The reverse has the words in raised capital letters, ZA ZASLUHY, which translates to For Merit. Above and below is a cluster of three linden leaves. The suspension is a gilt bar of linden leaves bound in the centre and at either end. The ribbon is 36mm wide, and is red with two 4mm wide yellow stripes in the centre.

The 5th Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

The obverse and reverse are the same as the 5th Class. The suspension is a round wreath of linden leaves upon which are crossed swords this being attached to the ribbon by a plain gilt bar. The ribbon is the same as the 5th Class.

The 6th Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

Similar to the 5th Class, but silver.

The 6th Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

Similar to the 5th Class with swords but in silver.

The 7th Class.
Instituted on.
Rarity –
Known Makers –

Similar to the 5th Class but in bronze.

 
 
The 7th Class with Swords.
Instituted on.
Rarity – Rare.
Known Makers –
 
War Victory Cross Order - 7th Class with Swords Obveres.
Similar to the 5th Class with swords but in bronze.

 
The decorations were made in Slovakia at the State Mint at Kremnice, approximately twice as many were made as were actually awarded, including 122 breast stars.
 
 

 
War Victory Cross Order - 6th Class in wear.
 
 
On the 14th March 1944, the fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Slovak Republic, all members of the Slovak armed forces who had served continuously for four years received an award of the War Victory Cross in the grade commensurate with their currently held rank. This involved the presentation of 2270 decorations.

In all, 3769 awards of the Slovak War Victory Cross were made in the course of the War. Of these, 630 went to non-Slovak citizens, not surprisingly the largest share 437 went to Germans, the next largest 142 to Rumanians.
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 

Monday 28 October 2013

Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel


Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel – Silver, Gold Class.

Instituted on. 15th July1944
Numbers awarded were;
Rarity – Very Rare, Extremely Rare
Known Makers. Unmarked

 

Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Obverse.




 Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Reverse.

 
 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Gold - Obverse.

This award was instituted on 15th July1944. It consists of a pair of crossed swords, which have double-edged blades that widen to the tip.  They have plain hilts with rounded pommels and thick plain cross-guards.  The blade has a raised central spine.  They measure 54 mm from pommel to tip.  At the centre is superimposed a vertical fasces with a swastika superimposed on to it.  From either side of the fasces is a single oak leaf with an elongated stalk protruding from beneath the lower edges of the blades of the swords.  The outline of the leaves is pierced.
 
The reverse of the badge is plain with a horizontal safety pin type of attachment.  This is secured to the reverse by a round plate in the example used for this description, but other methods were employed.  The overall colour is of patinated silver.  The Gold form is also artificially patinated.  One cautionary note to collectors is that this badge has been heavily copied, mainly in aluminium and great care has to be exercised in the purchase of this rare badge.     

Many Italian units that did not accept the armistice went on to fight on the German side. This created on 9th September 1943 the new Republican Army. The Official foundation of the Armed Forces of the "Repubblica Sociale Italiana (RSI)" was on 28th October 1943. Four Infantry Divisions were formed, namely the "Italia," "Littorio," "San Marco" and "Monterosa" Divisions. The badge was to recognise those Italians who underwent military training in Germany and was rendered to those soldiers of the four RSI Divisions and their German instructors. In accordance to the Italian Decree, Circular no. 160:"Giornale Militare Ufficiale" dated 1944: "In order to cement more and more comradeship ties with the allied army, the Duce has authorized a special badge to be issued to the soldiers of the Divisions under training and to their instructors." The badge was to be given to NCOs and privates in silver with Officers in Gold. The exact criteria for the award of the badge are unknown but it is believed that it was for three months instruction and was for young volunteers who underwent their basic training at the special training schools, and successfully completed the course, which is believed to have encompasses infantry, motorised armoured infantry and, in some cases, heavy armoured training.  It is presumed to equate to the other training school badges and loosely to the Germanic SS proficiency runes, bronze and silver. 
 
The badge has also been called the, 'San Marco Badge'.  An entry in the pay book of an Italian in the Germany Army described the badge as, 'Truppenabzeichen der Zweiten Italienen Divission San Marco in Silber'.  The award was worn above the right breast pocket.

 
 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Citation.
 

 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel in wear.
 


Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel in wear.
 


 
 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel in wear.

 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel in wear.
 
 
 
 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Obverse - Fake.
 
 
 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Reverse - Fake.

 
Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Obverse - Fake.
 

 
 Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Gold - Obverse - Fake.




Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Obverse - Fake.



Military Training In Germany Badge for Italian Personnel - Silver - Obverse - Fake.

Sunday 13 October 2013

The Police Decoration.


The Police Decoration.
Instituted on.
Rarity – Very Rare.
Known Makers – Unmarked, (K. Laakso – Oslo)






 


 The Police Decoration - Obverse.

 
Police Decoration - Revers.


 
Police Decoration - Revers. Variant pin.

The design of the award comprise of a Latin cross that measure 39 mm across with out-turned ends to the arms, which is described officially as “bronze“ but in fact is bluish – steel coloured. Through the arms of the cross runs a 1 mm wire circle that has a diameter of 27 mm. Onto the centre of the cross is placed the emblem of the Nasjonal Samling party which was the sun cross of St. Olaf, the fields of which were in filled with red opaque enamel and is silver in colour with a diameter of 14 mm. The reverse is flat with a central rivet that securers the sun cross of St. Olaf. It has a horizontal pin hinge and hook. Two forms have been encountered, a thin wire that raps round the hinge and has a rolling catch and a similar pin attached to the hinge and a “C “form catch. The cross in most cases made by the firm K. Laakso in Oslo.

The Police Decoration Is in one class only, and was given to those who served in the 1st or 2nd Police Company in Finland. It was awarded to those members of these 2 units who had displayed service that could be deemed,” For special endeavour in the struggle against Bolshevism”. It was to be worn on the left breast pocket of the tunic.

There also exists a version suspended from the upper arm by a ribbon that is an orange red that measures 44 mm. Onto the centre is machine sewn on top a piece of yellow ribbon tape that measures 12 mm. this award is called the National Police Honour cross and was only awarded to police men in Norway.

 

Thursday 10 October 2013

The Nasjonal Samling Party Badge.


The Nasjonal Samling Party Badge.  Rikshird, Unghird, Guttehird.  
Instituted on –
Rarity – Rare.

Known Makers – KIAAKSO

 
The Nasjonal Samling Party Badge - Youth grade - Obverse.

 
The Nasjonal Samling Party Badge - Youth grade - Reverse.
 
The Party Badge was circular with a diameter of 25 mm and comprises of the ‘Sun Eagle’ symbol of the Nasjonal Samling, being a circular gilt-edged red enamel disc bearing a gold cross with a double edged sword on either side of the central arm, this was given to the Rikshird who were 18 years and older. The youth badge in silver was given to the Unghird 14 to18 years old. The child’s badge in bronze was given to the Guttehird 14 years and under. The reverse was flat with at the top the member’s number engraved. At the centre was a screw post which had a circular button for attaching to the uniform. At the base was stamped in three lines, KIAAKSO, 925 S, and R.P. These badges were awarded to members of the Nasjonal Samling party who were very active. The badges were accompanied by a citation.

Wednesday 9 October 2013

The Sun Eagle Order.


The Sun Eagle Order.

Instituted on – 1944.
Rarity –Extremely Rare.
Known Makers – Trostrup.



 
The Sun Eagle Order - Obverse.
 
A special award was manufactured by the firm of Trostrup and presented to Vidkum Quisling by General Sectary Fuglesange in 1944. This award comprised of 55mm silver gilt and enamelled cross pattée with finials and rays in the angles. The arms of the cross have an opaque white outer field that has an inner field of dove grey opaque enamel. The central medallion comprises of the ‘Sun Eagle’ symbol of the Nasjonal Samling, being a circular gilt-edged red enamel disc bearing a gold cross. A gilt eagle with wings outstretched is placed at the centre of the upper arm of the cross. This has an ouse through which passes a small circular ring for attachment of the ribbon. The ribbon has the same colours as that of the “Tapper og Tro’ Korset” - Bravery and Loyalty Cross.

After the war a few restrikes are reported to have been made.
 
The Sun Eagle Order - Citation.

Tuesday 8 October 2013

“NSUF” Marksmanship Badge




“NSUF” Marksmanship Badge - Bronze, Silver, Gold.

Instituted on

Rarity – Very Rare, Very Rare, Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked.

 
 
“NSUF” Marksmanship Badge - Bronze - Obverse.
 

 
“NSUF” Marksmanship Badge - Bronze - Reverse.
 
 
 
The badge comprises of a slightly convex circular disk which has a 26 mm diameter. The outer edge is formed by a continuous two leaved wreath which is open at the top and crosses over at the base. Inside is three ringed target with a central Bulls eye that takes the form of the Nasjonal Samlings Ungdomsfylking membership badge. This is a green outer edge with at its centre the ‘Sun Eagle’ symbol of the Nasjonal Samling which is also finished in bronze on the bronze, silver on the silver and gold on the gold. Two crossed rifles complete the design. The reverse is plain with a pin hinge and hook.