help ID medal

[sef1962]

Just got this one I presume its a vets award Thanks Mark

[sef1962]

back of medal

detail on back

[VtwinVince]

Right Mark, private purchase cross commonly referred to as the "Treue dem Regiment" cross. They came with the clasp named to individual units.

[McCulloh]

The ribbons denoted differences in units too.

That clasp however, is one of the rarest and most sought after, because of the flamethrower troops drawn from that battalion.

[regular122]

The 'Ausgabestelle des Regiments-Erinnerungskreuzes des ehemaligen Deutschen Wermacht' were aawarded in three versions: one for battalions as well as regiments and a navy (marine) version. They were awarded with certificates and later a version that had a more maltese cross replaced the three variations and combined them into one.

The ribbons of the earlier version often corresponded with the different states and can be found in a variety of colors. Here are some pictures of examples. Note the Hannover example without swords and the battalion version with the Red Cross ribbon. I do not have a picture of the 'marine' version.

These are very high quality and well made medals. Steve

[sef1962]

thankyou

Thanks for the replies and info, now i am addicted to another type of medal !
Mark

[saschaw]

Some really really nice examples, Steve and Mark. Thanks for showing. My father used to have dozens from an elderly man's collection we sold on eBay, but I can hardly remember one that was that exceptional as yours are.

[...] and later a version that had a more maltese cross replaced the three variations and combined them into one.

Are you sure about that? I think it's rather the other way around and that other style was used back than in Imperial times, not 1920s.

[regular122]

I know the type you are thinking about, but those are the silver maltese crosses that were so popular among 1870 vets that I think you are mentioning.

But this 'Former German Military' organization had a different kind that replaced the three medal variation above. I don't own one but they are common. Here is a pic showing the variations of the new style. Note the transitional style influenced from the 'Treu dem Regiment' style above. Then, eventually, it turns into a Maltese cross of simpler form. Whether the wreath present or absent means combatant or non-combatant, I have not been able to determine, but that would be my guess. It was just simpler to make than the 'Treu' crosses during hyper-inflation hard times in the 1920s.

The ribbons are less colorful but do retain state variation by the edge striped patterns. The devices are less ornate but this set up adds branch insignia under the helmet. You will also find the 'Treu dem Regiment / Battalion / der Marine' medals on these same ribbon set ups as well as the ones above.

The Maltese crosses were called "Allgemeines Erinnerungskreuz, neue form." The 'Treu' crosses were popular around 1927 and I do not know when the 'Allgemeines' version came about, but it would have been around that time but prior to 1934.

Hope this helps, Steve

[saschaw]

The Maltese crosses were called "Allgemeines Erinnerungskreuz, neue form."

Thanks Steve for the picture. I was talking about exactely those you are showing. When were they called "neue Form"? I believe those to be older than the "Treu dem Regiment" etc., may be fro 1900 era. Do you have any source - but Mr. Niemann - about it?

[regular122]

Thanks Steve for the picture. I was talking about exactely those you are showing. When were they called "neue Form"? I believe those to be older than the "Treu dem Regiment" etc., may be fro 1900 era. Do you have any source - but Mr. Niemann - about it?

The neue form reference came from Niemann. I have also seen the Treu crosses mounted on these ribbons. Niemann also shows a certificate of a Treu cross from 1927. That's the only date reference I have been able to find.

But in examples sold and boxed examples, the units listed appear WWI and they present this style of new cross. I suppose they could be earlier but the evidence to me suggests 1920s. But as I think on it, I have not seen these on 1920s medal bars where I have seen the Treu medals. Maybe someone has? Maybe not?

Good discussion on these as there is not much out there on them. Have you seen other references? Thanks, Steve

[saschaw]

Have you seen other references?

Absolutely no reference, sorry. Though, I bet Mr. Niemann has not any more reference than I have.
It's just how they look, how they are made, plus the old, fine silk ribbons. All suggest they are from about 1900, but I don't have any proof handy. May the unit's names help? They exist with the full names of units, even with "enemys" as regimental chiefs that were not in use in the Great War. Does anyone have a photo of such a cross in wear?!

[McCulloh]

I have photos from @ 1925-30 with these in wear. You might see them in an old Bavarian veterans' thread there was a recent thread on these on the British Gentlemans' forum.