Fire Brigade Gold Class Award

[jwburchell]

Showing here my example of the above-referenced award - for assessment and opinions as to period originality, please.

Thanks for looking. All substantive feedback will be appreciated.

John

[jwburchell]

.

[Stan]

I like it.

Stan

[jwburchell]

Thank you for responding, Stan. Your opinion means a lot.

[CurtD]

Is it larger than a 2nd class award?

[jwburchell]

No, it is the same size as the 2nd class (silver) cross.

[CurtD]

According to Doehle, the 1st class is "larger" than the 2nd. So, it may have been "upgraded" recently.

[jwburchell]

Thanks, Curt, but I don't think so. It is the same as shown in this thread:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...1st+class+fire

and as discussed here (you are part of that discussion):
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=991532

I do not have the Doehle reference you mentioned, but note that the second form of this award (1938) in both silver and in gold classes on a ribbon is indicated in Forman's Guide, as well as catalogs by Nimmergut and Niemann.

[CurtD]

Here's a pic (posted by Ian Hulley) from that same thread for comparison. Perhaps he can post some measurements.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...fire+1st+class

[Ian Hulley]

Here's a pic (posted by Ian Hulley) from that same thread for comparison. Perhaps he can post some measurements.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...fire+1st+class

I can guarantee that they were all the same dimensions BECAUSE they were all really 2nd Class awards that had been washed or plated in gold and I sent both the 'gold' ones back to the seller as a result.

Ian

[jwburchell]

Measurements

Per Littlejohn & Dodkins (page 42): "The original awards were a 1st Class pin-back cross measuring 60mm (worn on the left breast), and a 2nd Class cross which measured 43mm and worn from a ribbon. [Footnote: There is also a version of this pin-back cross which measures only 43mm.] On 30th January 1938, the style of the 1st Class was altered from a pin back cross to a cross from a ribbon. The two crosses are identical with the exception that some parts are gilt in the new 1st Class and silver in the 2nd Class. The ribbon is also the same for both. It is red/white/red with a dark brick edging."

These details are confirmed by Angolia (page 168): "The decree of 30 January 1938....The pin-back version was eliminated altogether. The 2nd Class remained unchanged, but the 1st Class now took on the form of the 2nd Class, with all metal portions being finished in gold." The addendum of this reference book further states (on page 392): "It appears that a 43mm pinback version was produced. It is possible that this was a transitional piece in brief use prior to the introduction of the gold cross suspended from a ribbon."

The Niemann catalog indicates a measurement of 43mm for both 1938 classes of this award.

The Forman Guide (3rd edition) obviously bears a typo of "33mm" with reference to both 1938 classes of this award.

The Nimmergut catalog does not indicate measurements.

I hope that this information proves helpful as a current and future reference.

[RonR]

Both are the same size as indicated.


Another 1st class.......


...........

[Ian Hulley]

For Curt, as promised ..

Both Gold and Silver crosses are 43.5mm wide and 47.5mm from the top of the ball suspension ring to the base.

The Gold cross weighs 14.99g while the Silver cross weighs 14.62g

Photos to follow in the morning.

Cheers, Ian.

[Ian Hulley]

Silver ...





Gold





Silver





Gold





Silver





Gold





And a family photo ... side by side for comparison





Hope this helps.


Cheers, Ian.

[Stan]

Thanks Ian for posting those images which prove the point that the Gold and Silver crosses were identical in size.

Stan