German Eagle Order
I read with interest the discussion on the Eagle Order, and was particularly glad to see the photos of the Todt pillow and the explanation of the order by Hitler. I believe the translation was not quite correct, and the difference is very important. Here is my translation of the text:
Hitler: "So I will avoid the danger of diminished value by creating a party order regulated so that it will only be distributed in small numbers, putting all others in the shade. The state may award what it will; this decoration will not only be the most beautiful in form, but also the most revered in the world. The order will be administered by an Order Chancellor and an Order Court, both separate and directly subordinate to the Fuehrer, insuring that no unworthy person receives the decoration. There are services for which absolutely no promotion will suffice. The deeds of 200 knight's cross recipients do not measure up to the service rendered by someone like, for example, Todt."
There could only be one grade of this award. First, Hitler always meant what he said, and he says here this will be the penultimate---that means there is no "higher" grade. And he is adamant that noone will disgrace it, and although he does not say it will only be posthumous, only a dead man cannot do anything to disgrace it! The people he gave it to were all fighters for the cause (should have swords). A dead man can't do anything to merit a higher award!
Also, in years of reading German documents I have noted that the people in power were seldom so technically gifted and precise with nomenclature as collectors (translate this to it didn't matter to them and their colleagues---they all knew what they meant). When Hitler said the German Order or one of its equivalents, he meant the one, the only, the greatest, the highest award any German could receive for furthering the National Socialist cause. He did not speak of classes, and he said plainly he was the last word on this!
I spent a year in Sheffield, England, buying old pocket knives from dealers, cutlery businesses, individuals. I know what you get. Americans and Brits (and Germans)turned Germany inside out after the war. They got pattern pieces, pieces made for display, parts assembled after the war, test pieces that never went outside the factory and some real award items. Then they had stuff made.
If you want legitimate award items, then the Todt award is the type to go for. The rest is to me personally only of peripheral interest and of little value. I think most of this stuff is overpromoted because most buyers are not interested in anything but the award item---too many people try to pull this cloak over things that are interesting, but only important to someone deep into the technical/developmental area or a promoter.
We know what the award looked like and who got it, also exactly what Don Adolfo intended. When you go further than the known truth, it is fabrication. Chances of owning one of these: Zero in my world! I have owned some unique historical items, but they are very few and far between, particularly now when so many know so much.
Hitler: "So I will avoid the danger of diminished value by creating a party order regulated so that it will only be distributed in small numbers, putting all others in the shade. The state may award what it will; this decoration will not only be the most beautiful in form, but also the most revered in the world. The order will be administered by an Order Chancellor and an Order Court, both separate and directly subordinate to the Fuehrer, insuring that no unworthy person receives the decoration. There are services for which absolutely no promotion will suffice. The deeds of 200 knight's cross recipients do not measure up to the service rendered by someone like, for example, Todt."
There could only be one grade of this award. First, Hitler always meant what he said, and he says here this will be the penultimate---that means there is no "higher" grade. And he is adamant that noone will disgrace it, and although he does not say it will only be posthumous, only a dead man cannot do anything to disgrace it! The people he gave it to were all fighters for the cause (should have swords). A dead man can't do anything to merit a higher award!
Also, in years of reading German documents I have noted that the people in power were seldom so technically gifted and precise with nomenclature as collectors (translate this to it didn't matter to them and their colleagues---they all knew what they meant). When Hitler said the German Order or one of its equivalents, he meant the one, the only, the greatest, the highest award any German could receive for furthering the National Socialist cause. He did not speak of classes, and he said plainly he was the last word on this!
I spent a year in Sheffield, England, buying old pocket knives from dealers, cutlery businesses, individuals. I know what you get. Americans and Brits (and Germans)turned Germany inside out after the war. They got pattern pieces, pieces made for display, parts assembled after the war, test pieces that never went outside the factory and some real award items. Then they had stuff made.
If you want legitimate award items, then the Todt award is the type to go for. The rest is to me personally only of peripheral interest and of little value. I think most of this stuff is overpromoted because most buyers are not interested in anything but the award item---too many people try to pull this cloak over things that are interesting, but only important to someone deep into the technical/developmental area or a promoter.
We know what the award looked like and who got it, also exactly what Don Adolfo intended. When you go further than the known truth, it is fabrication. Chances of owning one of these: Zero in my world! I have owned some unique historical items, but they are very few and far between, particularly now when so many know so much.
Comment