Observer's Badge – P. Meybauer

Sweden; A beautifully executed miniature in gold with white and blue enamels, weighing 3.1 grams inclusive of its ribbon, unmarked, 17 mm x 25.5 mm, original ribbon, intact enamels, extremely fine.

In silver gilt, 35x35mm (x59mm including crown suspension, very fine quality, with original ribbon, mint condition. Scarce.

Badge in die stamped steel (magnetic), commemorating Austrian victory in Montenegro.

Footnote: Mount Lovćenwas the key defensive position of the Montenegrin army, who defended it as a citadel with roughly 2/3 of its forces. The Austrian-Hungarians, under Croatian general Stjepan Sarkotić, gathered large quantities of heavy artillery in Kotor, supported by ships artillery from the Austro-Hungarian Navy. On 8 January the attack began with a massive artillery bombardment. The Montenegrins lacked everything: guns, ammunition, food and shelter. On 11 January, Mount Lovcen was in Austrian hands. In the meantime, two independent brigades under Feldmarschalleutnant Braun advanced towards Nikšić, covering the left flank and threatening to cut off the Montenegrins from the north-east. On 13 January 1916, the vanguard of the Austrian army reached the capital Cetinje.

A second war German “Nahkampfspange”; in gilded zink; the obverse with a national eagle and a bayonet and hand grenade in the centerpiece, with sun rays emanating from the centre of the left and right sides, and with four oak leaves and two acorns on each side; the reverse plain, with a square magnetic backing plate; horizontal pinback, with a functional hinge/catch assembly; measuring 97.01 mm x 26.21 mm; weighing 28.7 grams; with approximately 40% of the original gilt finish remaining; in better than fine condition. (C:186)