Help with a Signum Laudis

[eindecker2]

Hello -
Just recently purchsed this inoquious bronze version of a WW1 Signum Laudis - I do not know everything about imperial Austrian orders and decorations, but what caught my eye was that this one was engraved along the rim! It reads 'DIE OFFIZIERE UND MILITAR BEAMTEN, DES PRASIDIAL BUROS DES K.M. 1917' my german is not that great so could anyone help figure it our for me. It is for an officer who served in the Chief of Staff for the K.M. 'Kriegsmarine?' An interesting item that I ouwld like to know more about.

[eindecker2]

and the rear

[eindecker2]

and a really bad photo of the engraved side - coudl not get the little letters into focus, but I think it reveals that they are there.

[Glenn2438]

Kriegsministerium

The officers and military officials of the presidential office of the war ministry.

see here:

http://www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk/signum.htm

Regards
Glenn

[eindecker2]

Many thanks - so I guess this was awarded to a 'desk officer'? I was told by another collector that this practice of engraving the side of the medal is scarce? It that true? Also thanks for the web link.

[CVRC]

I was told by another collector that this practice of engraving the side of the medal is scarce? It that true?

Hi and yes engraved medals are much more rare than regular ones whitout engraving.But here is the catch usualy you have name of persone and regiment or division or corps or any kind of unit.If you looking for well known person or highly decorated man or officer his name will be enough.But usualy you can find only engravings of the units.So for you are interested all units from Hungarian part of empire.But here is another catch rarest or smallest the unit are or famous ones you have less chance to find it.Most interesting are regiments and batallions size units.Than you have to decide which theatre of war is interesting for you East,Balkan or Isonzo front and so on.But generaly engraved ones are treasure because they are unique each one.Prices also depend on engravings if the unit is rare the price is higher.

Regards

CVRC