Rothe/Souval 57' DKiG set

[Alex W.]

Hey guys,

showing here is a curiosum I just got in. I've never seen a set like it and I'm very happy to have it in my collection.

It's a 57'er German Cross set sold by Rothe in Vienna. Actually it’s co-operated product between the jeweler Rothe and Souval. Both companies were located in Vienna.

The case is a Sovual style post war case. I'm familiar with this typical design from other cased Souval awards that I have in my collection. The recessed inlay has the typical Souval "rounded corners" and was made for both, the DKiG and it's miniature from the factory. The lining was made with the intention to be sold by the jeweler Rothe.

The DKiG itself is very early Souval DKiG in mint condition. It's the first claw riveted Souval DKiG in 1957 style I have ever seen so far.

The miniature was in my opinion made by Rothe. I’m not aware that Souval produced such minis and also the quality of it suggests a jeweler made it rather than a medal maker. It's a very nice enameled multi part miniature DKiG, the zoomed pictures don't do it justice.

Even though this proves that Souval did produce a riveted 57'er style German Cross, I believe this set is a one of a kind that was a special order through Rothe. The DKiG recipient ordered a then new 57er style DKiG through the jeweler Rothe…

Best regards,
Alex

[Alex W.]

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[Nigel N]

Hi Alex!
What a great DK, that's the best example by Souval I've seen, and I think the first with the wire rivets!
The mini is very nice too, all adds up to a great set!
Can we be 100% sure that the DK, mini, and case all started life together? That's the only thing I have any doubts on??
For sure the DK is a Souval, the mini........? Are you basing the Souval/ Rothe joint effort theory mainly on the Souval DK being in a Rothe marked case, or do we have any other evidence of co-operation between the two firms??
Theres no real reason to doubt what you have said, but I do think we need hard evidence/ proof to be absolutely sure, though I realise that kind of proof is often near impossible to find!!
Super pieces anyway!!!
Thanks for showing what is so far, the only example of this style of Souval 57 DKiG we have seen!!
-Nigel

[Tony T-S]

From the indent in the tray I'd say that the mini was certainly part of the set up, but as you say that doesn't say who made it. The indent suggest this rather than a pin for the mini. This is such an interesting set on so many levels. I've never really been impressed with Souval's wreath design, but ironically, I think it actually works better with the 57er center than the standard TR design carried through to the 57ers DKs we're more used to seeing.

I am seriously envious Alex, a beautiful set

[Alex W.]

Nigel, of course I haven't been around when the set was made, never the less from enough experiance of collecting Souval I have no doubts at all that this is the way the set was made. The etui and especially the inside is typical Souval post war. They can be found in different sizes, depending on the size of award.
No written proof, just experiance and comparing construction methods.

[Nigel N]

Thanks Alex!!
That's good enough for me!!!!
-Nigel

[Skyhawk]

Hi Alex,

Great set and the best Souval '57 DKiG that I have seen!

To me the starburst appears to be slightly different than an early S&L produced '57 DKiG. Is this correct or just an optical illusion? Any chance you (or anyone else) have an image of a Souval and a S&L '57 DKiG side by side that could be posted?

Best,

Jeff

[Tony T-S]

Jeff, I think the rays (teeth) are longer than those on a TR or S&L examples, but I am just guessing from my poor memory. It would be very good to do a side by side shot.