A short post comparing a Prussian Landwehr officer wappen with an issued OR's.
First the officer....for new collectors, note the absence of the Vaterland Bandeau. This motto is on the neusilber cross for all Prussian Landwehr.
In this example, we have 4 holes punched into the eagle breast and 4 prongs inserted to attach the silver cross. There is also a drop of solder here to further secure the prongs. Again for new collectors, note the pierced crown only found on officer wappen and the gold wash which has been added to the piece indicating a higher quality private purchase wappen. Last the soldered screw posts, tin washers and square brass nuts all typical of an officer wappen. There are originals though, with steel nuts.
The landwehr OR helmet plate. In this case the outline of the cross on the bird is part of the original stamping.
The reverse showing 4 holes in the stamping and 4 drops of lead solder holding the cross on. New collectors....the crown is solid and we have soldered brass loops to attach the bird to the helmet shell. Last, take note of the patina on 100+ year old solder and the puddle of solder around each loop. They did not have the tools needed to solder precisely as we have today.
First the officer....for new collectors, note the absence of the Vaterland Bandeau. This motto is on the neusilber cross for all Prussian Landwehr.
In this example, we have 4 holes punched into the eagle breast and 4 prongs inserted to attach the silver cross. There is also a drop of solder here to further secure the prongs. Again for new collectors, note the pierced crown only found on officer wappen and the gold wash which has been added to the piece indicating a higher quality private purchase wappen. Last the soldered screw posts, tin washers and square brass nuts all typical of an officer wappen. There are originals though, with steel nuts.
The landwehr OR helmet plate. In this case the outline of the cross on the bird is part of the original stamping.
The reverse showing 4 holes in the stamping and 4 drops of lead solder holding the cross on. New collectors....the crown is solid and we have soldered brass loops to attach the bird to the helmet shell. Last, take note of the patina on 100+ year old solder and the puddle of solder around each loop. They did not have the tools needed to solder precisely as we have today.