Gents,
I apologize for not having been around much lately, the second half of 2005 was a bit hectic, my best friend was in intensive care for three months straight, then passed away and then my father died two days later. It was a little on the rough side for a while...
Anyway, I haven't gotten a chance to share much with you guys, so I'd like to start off with something I hope you might enjoy seeing ..
This is the central or main medallion from an ols shooting chain dated 1872. This was right after the Prussian victory over the French in
1870-71, and patriotism was running at a fever-pitch what with the troops being victorious and more important, the country finally united under that wily and clever old rascal, Bismarck.
I mention this simply because of the Hohenzollern Adler/crest being used as a theme.
The city or town of Czempin was located near Posen and was much later the sight of Polish atrocities against German civilians before the outbreak of the Second War.
Another nice aspect of this piece is the marking found on the reverse. It's made by the Hof-Juweliere (court-jewelers) Sy & Wagner and has a seldom-seen .750 silver content mark.
Perhaps they did this for a special reason, possibly for that extra little bit of hardness?
Maybe that's what kept it in such good shape for all these 134 years, I'm not certain? It could also be because someone wrapped it up in their old Jockey-shorts..?
Best regards to all!
Bill