German Order

[byterock]

Ok so the war time examples where made by Deumer,

I was always under the impression that 'Souval' made the post war copies.

[Nick VR]

Thx for the replys and the amazing stories so far...


Greetz

Nick VR

[Mark Costa]

In regards to the question as to whether or not a photo exists of them in wear? The answer is NO. I have searched for decades trying to find one of Hierl -- he was the only one who wore it long enough to possibly have had his photo taken. There is a photo that exists of him receiving the award and a handshake from Hitler on February 24, 1945, but the photo does not show the medal itself nor is he wearing it. It must be assumed that he indeed wore it but with the war winding down and the fact that right after the presentation, he retired to his estate to wait out the end of the war - it is unlikely that a photo exists.

Axmann is the only other recipient to have actually worn it -- his was a second class decoration and he was seen wearing it in the bunker from about April 26 through the breakout from Berlin on May1-2 --but alas no photos.

Hanke and Holz never received the award itself -- only telegrams. The only photos of the funeral pillows are those of Fritz Todt and Reinhard Heydrich. I have searched for the photos of the others funerals and none have appeared so far. It is strange that, although photos exist of these other funerals and the pillows themselves, the award does not seem to be on these pillows for the other recipients.

It is amazing how many different versions exist of this unique award. In addition to the three most well known versions there are:

One that contains oakleaves and swords similar to those worn on a Knights Cross --definately a prototype.

A RED armed version -- prototype.

One with swords passing through the arms of the cross.

A Breast Star -- Prototype -- authenticity is questionable.

And a few slight variations of the three "accepted" versions that makes one wonder if there were not more than three classes.

Mark Costa

[ErichS]

Here's the set owned by WH that I think Bob was talking about.

[Bob Coleman]

that's It. Even After Fourty Seven Years You Do Not Forget Something Like That Coming Out From A Vet's Souvenirs!

[ErichS]

Well Bob it's back in the US.

[Medic789]

I just wonder how much the set bought for $500 in front of Bob is now worth... Anyone have a guess?

[stonemint]

I remember seeing that set for the first time in the first "War Booty" book--it looked good even in black and white!

[Nick VR]

Here's the set owned by WH that I think Bob was talking about.

Thanks Erich, these are the kind of pictures I was looking for.

Truly a one in a kind set...

Are those Golden Party badges numberd?


Greetz

Nick VR

[ErichS]

Yes it's a very impressive set. I'm not sure if the badges are numbered or are the AH version.

[Bob Coleman]

To The Best Of My Recollection(it Has Been 47 Years!), The Set Was Produced As A Sample Or Display Set. None Of The Badges Were Numbered.

[WARLORD]

The silver badges were only marked with the company number for Duhmer. Interestingly the badges were produced by Deschler and Sohn.

[RonR]

Nick,

Just saw this older thread and thought this may be of some help.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...der+Neck+Cross

Best regards,