Imperial Medals Opinions Needed.

[stgeorge64]

Hi, a very good friend of mine recently picked these up at a local antiques shop. I appreciate the photograph is not the best quality in the world, however, with the obvious exception of the EK II, can anyone inform me as to what the other medals are and also an estimate as to their value ? All input will be well recieved.

Regards Richard.

[Rick Research]

Too bad the ribbons are tattered because that is a VERY nice combination!

The next one down is the Hessian Militär-Sanitäts-Kreuz on frontline war ribbon, followed by red enamelled crosses from the Hanseatic Cities of Hamburg (about 50,000) and Lübeck (about 20,000 awarded). Double Hanseatics are not common!

So this wearer was a medical officer, and the bar itself dates between 1919 and 1934 (no Hindenburg Cross yet).

I hate to offer estimates because I am frequently told I am out of touch with Current Market Trends, but someplace in the $200-250 range, I'd say. If the poor old ribbons had been in better shape, that would go up. Of course, no ribbons at all would plunge the price down.

Dealers who have no clue what they are talking about will often call this style mounting "naval." It was NOT-- this is TUXEDO (frock coat) CIVILIAN wear. In this case, however, I think there is a very good chance that the wearer was a naval surgeon during WW1. A reserve medical officer named Dr Otto Becker (born 1885) had the first three of these awards, and served with the Marinekorps in Flanders. I cannot, however, either confirm a Lübeck to him or exclude any other possible awards after the February 1918 naval Rank List.

[Christian L]

very nice frackspange!

1. ek II 1914 - 25-30 euro
2. hessian award for aid to wounded - 60-70 euro
3. hamburg hanseatic cross - 40-45 euro
4. lübeck hanseatic cross - 50-60 euro

but as a mounted group like this one more!

very nice one!

christian

[Tom Y]

Left to right: Lübeck Hanseatenkreuz, Hamburg Hanseatenkreuz, Hessen DA für Krankenpflege on the wrong ribbon (Hessen "für Tapferkeit")Current prices seem to be:
Lübeck-$110-125
Hamburg-$45-60
Krankenpflege - Couldn't find a current price, but probably around $110-125
Replacing the "für Tapferkeit" would cost about $40. Good luck on finding a ribbon for the Krankenpflege.

[Rick Research]

No, Tom-- this IS the CORRECT front service ribbon for the Hessian MC (bravery medal's ribbon). The rear area, noncombatant one is the pink with silver stripes you are thinking of.

This guy was very much a FRONTLINE medical officer.

[Tom Y]

No, Tom-- this IS the CORRECT front service ribbon for the Hessian MC (bravery medal's ribbon). The rear area, noncombatant one is the pink with silver stripes you are thinking of.

This guy was very much a FRONTLINE medical officer.

I stand (sit, actually) corrected. Navy guy, right?

[stgeorge64]

Guys, thank you very much for your detailed input into the thread, your knowledge is outstanding! I shall see my friend tomorrow to let him know and ask if he would like me to put it on the e-stand. Thanks again.

Regards Richard.