Ek1 & rk

[Tom B]

Will write a letter to Bauer !

Hi Nigel, I will write a letter to Bauer today. I hope he remembers me & I hope he still lives at the 1985 address I have.....we shall see. Since I am still on the OdR list of "Collectors" that have been proven ok, I'm sure he will answer if his health allows. These men are all in thier late 80's & early 90's now so who knows. BUT I will write & try. I did however meet one RKT that did have Two 57 RK's, but both were 1st pattern cores. I guess one was for wear & the other was to keep mint for a family keepsake? I'll keep you updated on what happens, Tom

[Nigel N]

Hi Nigel, I will write a letter to Bauer today. I hope he remembers me & I hope he still lives at the 1985 address I have.....we shall see. Since I am still on the OdR list of "Collectors" that have been proven ok, I'm sure he will answer if his health allows. These men are all in thier late 80's & early 90's now so who knows. BUT I will write & try. I did however meet one RKT that did have Two 57 RK's, but both were 1st pattern cores. I guess one was for wear & the other was to keep mint for a family keepsake? I'll keep you updated on what happens, Tom

Hi Tom!!!
I hope Herr Bauer is in good health and can reply to your letter!! The chance to ask these vets questions is getting less and less, to find out if he bought an RK earlier, and then another, later 2nd pattern, would be very interesting to know!!
Good luck!!!!!!!
-Nigel

[Tom B]

Letter to Ludwig Bauer

Hello Guy's ! Mailed a letter to Ludwig Bauer this morning. I sent an email to an OdR friend to make sure I had the correct address....good thing I did....he had moved since 1985. As soon as I hear something I'll post it. I just hope he answers !?! Tom

[navigator]

Hello Guy's ! Mailed a letter to Ludwig Bauer this morning. I sent an email to an OdR friend to make sure I had the correct address....good thing I did....he had moved since 1985. As soon as I hear something I'll post it. I just hope he answers !?! Tom

awesome news Tom hopefully he will reply to you!

[Nigel N]

Indeed that is great news Tom!! I hope you hear back from him!!!!!!!
-Nigel

[Seewolf]

Wow, this thread is getting more and more interesting

Tom, i never knew you have been so close to the OdR. I am excited about that

You started at the right time because now there are only a few guys left who are in good health and still alive and you were able to meet many of the guys who are passed away now. As i have 2 RK groupings this is of course from much interest for me.
The history of RK winners who served in the BW is a wonderful field but needs many research and time.

Keep us posted what Herr Bauer answers. I hope he´s healthy and feels fine

[jwburchell]

Indeed, a very interesting thread! Glad that my two "duds" got it all started.

[Nigel N]

Indeed, a very interesting thread! Glad that my two "duds" got it all started.

Yes, funny how things turn out!!!!!!!!!!
I'd say only the RK of yours is a "dud", the EK1 may be a late piece, but its still by S&L, and part of the history of the Iron Cross!!!
-Nigel

[Tom B]

Received a letter from Ludwig Bauer !

Hello 57er Friends ! Well today I received a letter back from Ludwig Bauer ! He answered all of my questions regarding his 57 RK, He has 2 of them. Just as you thought, one was for wear and the other was to keep as a Memento of his service and not to be ever worn. Here's the purchase info: The "keepsake" cross was purchased in about 1963. He said he may have worn it one time. The other (in the Bundeswehr Photo) he purchased in 1971. That is why he's wearing a 2nd pattern in the photo. He still has both. He also said every now and then he will get offers to buy his medals & uniforms and when he does he will not answer these letter requests. Some dealers & collectors anger alot of these veterans, and I can understand why. Well thats about all. I told him why I was interested in these questions and he said he was glad to help clear up a "Funny little" mystery. What a nice guy he is ! Tom

[xmember]

Wow Tom. What a nice guy. At least he solved your questions. Glad he is still around. Great job.

Regards,
Rudy

[Nigel N]

Hi Tom!!!
Fanatastic to hear that, the sort of "inside info" that no one but the vet himslf could provide!!
Its also great to hear Herr Bauer is still in good health, it really was nice of him to answer your questions!!!
Great job Tom, BIG thanks for all you've done!!!!!!!!!
-NigelHail.gif

[Tom B]

Forgot to add.....

Sorry I forgot to add the following.......Early RK (1st pattern) is marked 800 top arm reverse) The later RK (2nd pattern) is unmarked, and both are magnetic. Sounds just as it should be. I didn't ask about the cases...I assumed he had them both. I'm glad I could help ! Tom

[Arthur Spooner]

Very interesting and many thanks Tom for letting us know!!!
One answer would be interesting, did he wrote in German or English?

[Tom B]

Arthur Sooner - Hello !

He wrote in German with a little English here & there. If I remember right, he spoke English when I talked to him many years ago ? He said he had to try to remember who I was when opened the letter, so I wrote that we had talked and I was the person who had told him about my service in the U.S. Marine Corps and my time in Vietnam....Then he said YES I remembered you from so many years ago. I wish he and I would have become better friends, for he is a wonderful Man !!! Tom

[Seewolf]

Thanks Tom, for the new info about Ludwig Bauer. Very nice that he´s still healthy and well.

The timeframe of his RK´s fits perfect the timeline we have. I think his 1st pattern has a C-frame but that´s of course not to proof

Please keep us posted whren new info....good or sad is coming up