Souval - German Red Cross Decoration 1922-1934 - 1st class

[Alex W.]

Since many of the Souval made awards in my collection can't be shown here, I chose one that confirms to the regulations. The German Red Cross decoration first class (neck cross) in the variant from 1922-1934.
In the past I have already posted some of the variants from 1934-1937 etc.
Of all the post war made German Red Cross decorations, the 1922-1934 should easily the rarest IMO. Souval produced the 1922-1934 variant only until the mid 1960's. The other variants were still available after that. Even the very rare breast star decoration of the 1937-1939 variant...
This neck cross decoration features the typical early ribbon suspension as found on early Souval KVK RK's. The cross body is slightly vaulted as the pics below show. The ribbon ring attachment has the early ball type style. IMO this neck cross dates to the late 1950's. Unfortunately the pics don't do the polished highlights on this beautiful cross any justice.

Regards,
Alex

[Alex W.]

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[Nigel N]

Hi Alex!
That's a fine looking piece!!
Excellent quality of both enamelling and gilding! I don't know if S&L also made this one? I would have guessed so, but can't remember seeing one??
Is the case unique to this medal, or was it also used for other pieces, with maybe a different inner tray???
Very Nice!!!
-Nigel

[Alex W.]

Hi Alex!
That's a fine looking piece!!
Excellent quality of both enamelling and gilding! I don't know if S&L also made this one? I would have guessed so, but can't remember seeing one??
Is the case unique to this medal, or was it also used for other pieces, with maybe a different inner tray???
Very Nice!!!
-Nigel

Thanks Nigel. Indeed the quality of both, the enamelling and gilding are fantastic. Not sure if St&L made this variant as well. I have not seen or heard about it, but I won't rule it out. I would even go as far as saying that I think it's possible that both companies agreed as to who made what of the Red Cross series. They had so much going on together in those years, that I think it's possible. While producing only slightly varying products in different categories like the Spanish Crosses, SS Long Service and a few more, they always stayed very close to each others product and it's obivous many many parts were shared.

As for the case, this is actually a St&L product that I had sitting around. A while ago I bought a lot of ~25 various St&L cases, this is one of them. It fits the cross and is pretty much the same age.
Souval by the way used an austrian case maker. The look of Souval etuis is different compared to St&L.

[Nigel N]

Thanks Alex
That's why I asked about the case, as it wasn't one I recognised from other cased Souval pieces!!
-Nigel

[Borzadow]

I see Alex that you have been at a furious shopping in a past weeks

Great addition, as the others