25mm 'Prinzen' spange question...

[Robert P.]

What exactly was the 25mm Prinzen 2nd class spange used for? Was it dedicated only to medal bar wear, or was it also worn on the ribbon in the 2nd button hole of the tunic or other field or dress uniforms? I have seen some on the ribbons of 1914 EKII's. I'm curious...

Thank you,
Robert

[Robert P.]

I've answered my own questions by doing some extensive searches in the WAF archived threads on Prinzen spanges. They were commonly applied to draped 1914 EKII's, both two pronge and four pronge varieties. Also, they were used, especially the two pronge variety, on medal bars. The two pronges were pushed through two holes in the metal backing plate within the medal bar backing, then bent over to secure it. Whether or not they were used on uniforms in the second button hole I came up against a wall on that one. I couldn't find anything. But, I imagine they were since you see the prinzen spanges on draped 1914 EKII's.

Robert

[streptile]

Hi Robert,

Here is a Prinzen Spange in the buttonhole of a tunic I saw at the MAX (2012?), complete with attribution.

I guess they were mostly used for medalbars, sometimes for ribbon bars and tunics, and mounted (like most Spangen) on EK2s after the war (or after the end of the recipient's service).

[Robert P.]

Thank you Trevor,

My long search has finally come to an end. I always throught they might have been used on the ribbons in button holes and this finally proves it. Thank you!

Very timely,
Robert