Thoughts on this cap badge I just obtained? I've seen a variety of types in reference photos.
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As you have observed, there is no lack of ideas about what constitutes a "real" Alpenkorps Edelweiß. Even in period photographs you can see various types being worn. Normally, I would have thought that the badges would have had a pinback, but this one would actually fit more flush to the cap.
Chip -
I should also mention these came from Klaus Butschek who confirmed they were from a WW1 Gebirgsjäger collection.Comment
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...and who's to say that the former owner/collector knew if it was good or not? If someone bought my collection tomorrow, they would find two Edelweiß and that new owner could say that they came from a noteworthy WWI collection. But if you asked me, the former owner, if they were positively WWI, I would say that I was not sure.Originally posted by RelicHunter View Post
So, it's the old caveat, appraise the item, not the story, that comes to mind here.
ChipComment
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Very true. I have been unable to find a reference photo that has the same construction as this one, specifically the construction of the golden stigma.Originally posted by Chip M View PostComment
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I saw a small lot of this type a few years ago. Same wide flat prongs on the back. I didn't know what to think about them at the time, but in a way, this prong configuration makes sense, in that it would be a closer fit to the cap and would be more stable. It I had to guess, I would say that this type would be a better choice for affixing to a visored cap with stiff sides.
As an added note, I can tell you that this debate about what is and isn't a WWI era Edelweiß has been going on for as long as I have been collecting. The main reason it hasn't been resolved is that there are so many variations in period photos. The next question is what was the type first issued and what was a privately purchased piece? I'm afraid these are questions that will never be definitively answered.
ChipComment
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I did find the exact same piece on page 243 of the Jurgen Kraus (German Army in WW1) book. I guess it depends on where he obtained his sample, but from what I can tell all the items in the book seem to be genuine period pieces.
I thought I remembered seeing one like it before.Comment
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Unfortunately, there are some fake pieces shown in this book, so I would not take it as gospel. That said, I think this Edelweiß style could very well be a period example. Another thing to take into consideration is that no less than four Freikorps units wore the Edelweiß as part of their unit insignia.Originally posted by RelicHunter View Post
ChipComment
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One thought from me: As I collect k.u.k. WW1 uniforms (caps especially), from many pictures and badges the austrian Edelweiss seems to have often 7 golden blossom pistil.
German ones in many cases have only 6.
This is only an observation and exception are always found.
The fixing type is quite unusual, but it seems to be a period one.
Regards
StefanyComment
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Stefany,
I think you should start a thread to show your Austrian caps. I would include mine if you would get it started. I could probably coax another collector friend to post his too. Just a thought.
ChipComment
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I agree with Chip...Comment
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Please, those who have caps post them for reference.
I'll love to see them.Comment
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I have uploaded a selection of period Photos onto the site. One of them is not my image, but is an interesting pic of a 10th Jäger man with Austrian Edelweiss...
http://www.kaiserscross.com/69501/407022.htmlComment
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Very nice Chris.
BTW, your site has really come along. I always enjoy reading a story and seeing the items related to your article.Comment
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