The Coburg Badge

[Br. James]

Hi Mil,

From your note #1406 below, it seems as though you've accepted the suggestion that Schreck's GPB -- at least his large GPB -- is affixed to the pillow via the BO ribbon. While that is a possibility, given the blurred reality of the photo, I am not yet convinced. In my experience of seeing pix of other funeral pillows, it appears to have been the goal to present the deceased's awards in as dramatic and impressive a fashion as possible, to give the impression that his life was one of triumph, of acknowledged achievements, and of loyal service. If that meant that two or even more pillows were required in order to adequately present his decorations and awards, then so be it, but never that the award display should be condensed to keep the number of pillows to a minimum. Yet that is what is suggested when we consider that Schreck's GPBs were possibly presented with the large badge used to affix his BO to the pillow and his small GPB left out of the display altogether...at least in my mind. And looking again at the photo, there was ample space to display both of Schreck's GPBs as well as his BO on that pillow, without needing to condense the display for reason of space.

Therefore, I still think that we are not seeing Schreck's large GPB on the ribbon of the BO, and continue to wonder why his GPBs were omitted!

Cheers,

Br. James

[Erich B.]

I agree with both points--the photo is simply not clear enough to know what is in the BO ribbon's buttonhole. It's not impossible that there might be a closeup of the pillow in a period newpaper/magazine or in a book, but I haven't come across one yet.
Erich

[chen]

A great photo showing Schreck's CB on his funeral pillow. It's the first time I have seen the CB badge on a funeral pillow but then again with so few awarded so it makes sense.

Erich,
Forget the pillow and concentrate on coming HH auction of Hitler's Coburg.
Mil, u wake up yet?

[chen]

..

[ErichS]

An interesting badge and an original 1st pattern. Don't know if it belonged to Hitler but I can't see a reason why he wouldn't have one so who knows?

[Military]

Hi Chen,

Thanks for posting. What an interesting badge. I don't really believe in the provenance of the letter (for now) until it is proven otherwise.

It is a nice first pattern with a repaired pin? There seems to be a flaw in the flow of the casting marks on the reverse but the trench is present.

Very nice - what is the starting price?

Mil

[ErichS]

I agree with both points--the photo is simply not clear enough to know what is in the BO ribbon's buttonhole. It's not impossible that there might be a closeup of the pillow in a period newpaper/magazine or in a book, but I haven't come across one yet.
Erich

I think that it's a tunic button through the hole in the ribbon of the BO and I find it very unlikely that the GPB would be attached to another award.

[chen]

Hi Chen,

Thanks for posting. What an interesting badge. I don't really believe in the provenance of the letter (for now) until it is proven otherwise.

It is a nice first pattern with a repaired pin? There seems to be a flaw in the flow of the casting marks on the reverse but the trench is present.

Very nice - what is the starting price?

Mil

Mil,
5000Euro.

[Military]

Mil,
5000Euro.

Chen,

What do you think the final hammer price will be?

Mil

[Richard]

Probably a bit higher than 5000 Euro.
Richard V

[chen]

Chen,

What do you think the final hammer price will be?

Mil

Mil,
No idea!

[der-hase-fee]

An interesting badge and an original 1st pattern. Don't know if it belonged to Hitler but I can't see a reason why he wouldn't have one so who knows?

He just wouldn't wear it, because it says "With Hitler in Coburg" and wouldn't make sense, right, Erich ?

Bogus attribution.

[ErichS]

He just wouldn't wear it, because it says "With Hitler in Coburg" and wouldn't make sense, right, Erich ?

Bogus attribution.

It would be redundant for him to actually wear the badge but I think it quite possible for him to have been given one. That said, the bidding should be on an original 1st pattern badge and not the story that goes with it.

[Richard]

Unfortunately many bidders at auctions get caught up in the story as well. However, there is nothing that links this letter to the badge other than both are offered in the same lot.
Richard V

[Matthew]

Erich- how does the signature in the note as pictured above compare to the Winters materials in your collection that came with your 1935 piece?

cheers

Matt