Germany, Imperial. A Max Joseph Order Family Group To Field Marshal Von Monte Creto, General Ludwig Von Wittich & Major Von Pechmann

Germany, Imperial. A Superb Bavarian Military Order of Max Joseph, Awarded to Austrian/Croatian Field Marshal Franz Csorich von Monte Creto, in 1814, Prussian General Ludwig von Wittich in 1870, and Major Dr. Günther von Pechmann for Battle of Verdun, WW1

1) Bavaria, Kingdom. The “309” Engraved Military Order of Max Joseph, Knight’s Cross, c.1814

(Militär-Max-Joseph-Orden Ritterkreuz). Instituted by Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria on 1 January 1806. (1806-1922 Issue). Constructed of solid 18Kt. Gold with multi-coloured enamels, presenting as a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and gold borders and ball finials, the obverse with central royal monogram of Max Joseph in gold enameled lettering on a blue enameled centerpiece with ribbed Gold border, reverse with central motto of “VIRTUTI PRO PATRIA” (“BRAVERY FOR THE FATHERLAND”) in gold enameled lettering with a blue enameled centerpiece with ribbed Gold border, suspended from hollow royal crown with loop engraved with “309,” connecting to period original neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 29.78 mm (w) x 46.34 m (h) and weighing 12.9 grams, some loss of enamel to the upper arm of the cross , minor enamel restoration, but in an otherwise very fine condition.

Footnote: The Knight’s Cross Number 309 is historically significant because it has passed down through three recipients. On 30 April 1814, Austrian (Croatian born) Lieutenant Field Marshal Franz Freiherr Csorich von Monte Creto (1772-1847) received the Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Max Joseph following his notable service in the Bohemian Main Army and his injury at the Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube. The cross was returned to the Bavarian Order Chancellery upon his death. The Cross “309” was eventually re-awarded to Prussian Lieutenant General Ludwig von Wittich (1818-1884) on 15 November 1870 for his participation in both the Austro-Prussian and German-Prussian Wars. Again, after the recipient’s death, the cross was returned and re-awarded again to Major Dr. Günther von Pechmann for his victories at Fleury during the Battle of Verdun of the First World War.

FRANZ CSORICH von MONTE CRETO

Alexander Franz Freiherr Csorich was born on 3 October 1772 in Senj, Croatia. He married married Ludmilla von Schindler (1786-1817), receiving two step-daughters Josefine and Rosalie, in addition to adopting his nephew, who later became the Austrian War Minister, Anton Csorich.

Csorich joined the Ogulin Border Regiment as a cadet in 1789. In 1791, he was transferred to the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Royal and Imperial Army (Austro-Hungarian Army) with a with the rank of Fähnrich (Ensign). Less than ten years later, Csorich received a promotion to Oberleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) and was assigned to the general staff of the army, participating in the Battle of Verona on 26 March and the Battle of Trebbia on 18 June, both in Italy. In 1800, Csorich was assigned to the General Quartermaster’s Staff in Italy and fought in the Siege of Genoa. On 13 May 1800, his efforts in the Battle at Monte Creto, won him the Maria-Theresia-Orden (Order of Maria Theresa). In 1803, Csorich received the promotion to Hauptmann of the 2nd Infantry Regiment 2 and accepted assignment to the general staff. In 1813, Oberstleutnant Csorich led the Russian Army Corps of General Wittgenstein and the

Battle of Gießhübel resulted in his promotion to Oberste (Colonel) and Commander of the Infantry Regiment Baron Hiller. However, since his excellent services as Chief of Staff in the Russian Army Corps, he remained with his division with the Russian army while the other regiment joined the campaign in 1813 under Major Zsitvay. In 1814, at the Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube, Csorich was badly wounded. Emperor Alexander I awarded him the Order of St. George Second Class, and, that same year, Csorich received the Bavarian Order of Max Joseph. In June of 1818, he was awarded the rank of Baron and given the title of Monte Creto. Csorich retired as a Generalmajor (Major General) in 1921, but was reactivated in 1832 and promoted to Feldmarshalleutnant and Divisions-Kommandant in Galicia. Csorich was sent to Banat as a Geheimrat (Privy Councillor) and commanding general. He died in Timisoara, Romania on 4 March 1847.

LUDWIG VON WITTICH

Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig von Wittich was born 15 October 1818 in Münster to parents Karl August von Wittich (1772-1831) and Christiane Johanna Friederike Elsabeth (1780-1842). Wittich married Johanna Albertine Luise Anna Hiller von Gaertringen, who brought her son from a previous marriage Hans Joachim von Brederlow.

Wittich earned his education at the Kadettenkorps (Cadet Corps). In 1835, he enlisted in the Prussian Army as Sekondleutnant (Second Lieutenant). In 1844, he served as Adjunct of the 2nd Division. In 1852, Wittich became General Command of the V. Armee-Korps. He received a promotion to Major in 1857 and transferred to the General Staff of the 9th Division. In 1861, Wittich earned the promotion of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) and two years later he was the Chief of Staff of the 2nd Division. In 1864, Wittich was Chief of Staff of the IV. Armee-Korps. As a result of his participation in the Austro-Prussian War (1866), he received the Pour le Mérite and a promotion to Oberst (Colonel). Two years later, on 22 March, Wittich became Generalmajor and Commander of the 49th Infantry Brigade. In 1870, during the German-Prussian War, Wittich fought at the Battles of Mars-la-Tour/Vionville and Noiseville. That autumn, he was appointed Generalleutnant (Lieutenant General) and command of the 22nd Division, participating in operations at Loire and Le Mans, France. Wittich fought under Bavarian General von der Tann on 10 October at the Battle of Artenay in October. Afterwards, he was sent northwest from Orleans where he attacked Chateaudun on the Loire, held by 2,500 French irregulars led by Joseph de Lipowski. Chateaudun was captured and largely destroyed after savage street fighting and nearby Chartres quickly surrendered. In the winter, Wittich fought under Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin at Loigny-Poupry. In the new year, he experienced the Battle of Le Mans and went on to Alençon.

Wittich received the Order of Max Joseph in the year 1870. On 18 March 1872, he was appointed Commander of the 31st Division in Strasbourg, retiring a year later. In 1889, the Infantry Regiment "von Wittich" (3rd Kurhessische) No. 83 was named after him in his honour. From 1879 to 1881, Wittich sat as a member of the German Reichstag for the Deutschkonservative Partei, representing the electoral district of Landsberg. He died 2 October 1884, Neumark.

See page listing the numbers of the decorations, and current and former recipients of the Order, in Schrettinger, Der Königlich Bayerische Militär-Max-Joseph-Orden und Seine Mitglieder (Münich: Oldenbourg, 1882), 76.

See footnote below for further information on the life of Major Dr. Pechmann, to whom the rest of the awards/insignia in this group belonged.

2) A First War Period Medal Bar featuring Five Decorations, including:

Bavaria, Kingdom. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, IV Class with Crown and Swords, c. 1916

(Militär-Verdienstkreuz VI. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 Issue). A silver Maltese cross with blue enameled arms, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, with flames between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a silver crowned cipher of King Ludwig III within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with silver letters reading “MERENTI” (“MERIT”), the reverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a silver crowned Bavarian lion within a white enameled border also in the form of a buckled belt, dated “1866,” suspended from a hollow crown on loop with silver mark “900,” with its period original ribbon, cross marked “J.L.” for maker Jacob Leser, Straubing, and “950” for silver content; measuring 40.55 mm (w) x 64.38 mm (h), weighing 25.6 grams, in extremely fine condition.

Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross, Second Class

(Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) Reinstituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II 5 August 1914. (1914-1918 Issue). A 1914 Iron Cross Second Class, presenting as a Cross Patée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed silver border, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a raised central “W”, with the re-institution date “1914” in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm; the reverse with a central oak-leaf branch consisting of three oak leaves, with the original institution date “1813” in raised numbers on the lower arm, a raised Prussian crown on the upper arm, with “FW” in raised lettering directly below, unmarked, measuring 48 mm (h) x 44 mm (w), in very fine condition.

Bavaria, Kingdom. A 1905 Jubilee Medal for the Bavarian Army

(Jubiläumsmedaille für die bayerische Armee). Constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, obverse depicts raised leftward-facing profile of Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria circumscribed by title, reverse inscribed “AM 70. JAHRESTAG MEINES DIENSTANTRITTES DER BAYER ARMEE GEWIDMET” (“DEDICATED TO THE BAVARIAN ARMY ON THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF MY ARRIVAL”), unmarked, measuring 30 mm (w) x 38 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Bavaria, Kingdom. A Bavarian Landwehr Service Award, Second Class

(Landwehr Dienstauszeichnung II. Klasse). Constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, obverse depicts central Bavarian flag within oak wreath as centerpiece of of Leopold Cross, circumscribed by inscription “TREUE DIENSTE RESERVE LANDWEHR” (“FAITH SERVICE RESERVE LANDWEHR”), obverse with wreathed inscription “LANDWEHR DIENSTAUSZEICHNUNG II. KLASSE” (“LANDWEHR SERVICE AWARD SECOND CLASS”), unmarked, measuring 33 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

Germany, Third Reich. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, with Swords

(Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914/1918 mit Schwertern). Constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, presenting as a Cross Pattée with central inscription “1914-1918” within an oak leaf wreath, with swords crossing at the centre, reverse maker marked “R.V. Pforzheim,” measuring 38.5 mm (w) x 43 mm (h), in near very fine condition.

3) Germany. A Miniature Medal Chain, c.1914

(Miniaturenkette). A chain of miniature medals matching the above mentioned medal bar and including the Order of Max Joseph Knight’s Cross.

4) Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit by Steinhauer & Lück, c.1962

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland). Instituted in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. (1951-Present). The badge is constructed of silver gilt with red and black enamels, weighing 31.60 g, measuring approximately 59 mm (w) x 63 mm (h), on its red, black, and gold neck ribbon. The matching boutonniere, measuring 10 mm (w) x 8 mm (h), accompanies the badge. The maker “STEINHAUER & LÜCK LÜDENSCHEID” is stamped on the reverse of the boutonniere. Very minimal scuffs on enamel and both badge and boutonniere are in extremely fine condition. Both items come in a hardshell case with the Federal Republic coat-of-arms on the cover and on the inside life, the maker “C. E. JUNCKER BERLIN SO 36” stamped on the bottom, recessed and slotted on a velvet bed, single latch closure, and in extremely fine condition.

5) Turkey, Ottoman Empire. A German-Made Turkish Harp Madalyasi (Gallipoli Star) by B.B. & Co.

(Harp Madalyası/Eiserner Halbmond). Instituted by Sultan Mehmed V on 1 March 1915. Constructed of silvered tombak consisting of a five armed silver star with red enamels and ball finials, obverse centre presenting a large upward facing crescent moon in silver, tugra also in silver, reverse with central pin assembly, marked “B.B. & Co.” on reverse, both measuring 55 mm (w) x 52 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

6) Bavaria, Kingdom. A Set of Bavarian Army Epaulettes

(Bayerische Armee Schulterklappe). A set of Bavarian epaulettes featuring a gilt bronze Bavarian crown insignia affixed to the padded silver-coloured bullion, and surrounded a bronze metal ridge. The ridge is flanked by silver coloured bullion 15 mm wide wire bordered with blue thread and a hole with brass eyelet for attachment of the epaulette to the uniform.The underside is padded with red coloured felt. Each epaulette measures approximately 120 mm (w) x 160 mm (h), both show some staining of the fabrics, and are in overall good condition.

7) Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross, First Class

(Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) Reinstituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II 5 August 1914. (1914-1918 Issue). A 1914 Iron Cross Second Class, presenting as a Cross Patée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed silver border with mark of “935,” barrel hinge with narrow banjo-style vertical pinback and roundwire catch, the obverse with a raised central “W,” with the re-institution date “1914” in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm, unmarked, measuring 41.75 mm (w) x 41.75 (h), in extremely fine condition.

8) Bavaria, Kingdom. A Bavarian Army Portepee

(Schwertknoten der Bayerischen Armee). A Bavarian Army Portepee (Sword Knot) constructed of silvered aluminum bullion wire, in poor condition.

9) Bavaria, Kingdom. A 1916 Prince Heinrich of Bavaria Memorial Medallion

(Heinrich Prinze von Bayern Gedenks). Constructed of bronze, obverse depicts leftward-facing raised profile of Prince Heinrich of Bavaria, reverse depicts raised royal lion circumscribed by inscription “GEFALLEN IN RUMÄNIEN AM 8.XI. ALS FÜHRER D. LEIBRGTS” (“FALLEN IN ROMANIA ON THE 8th OF NOVEMBER AS LEADER OF THE LIFE REGIMENTS”) above the year “1916,” unmarked, measuring 90 in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

10) Germany, Weimar. A 1924 Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment Jubilee Badge

(1. Kgl. Bayer. Feldartillerie-Brigade Jubiläumsabzeichen). Constructed of bronze, vertical pinback, unmarked, measuring 49 mm (w) x 62 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

11) Bavaria, Kingdom. 1918 A King Ludwig III and Queen Maria Theresa Wedding Anniversary Medallion

(Ludwig III. und Marie Therese Hochzeitstag Medaille). Constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, obverse with raised inscription “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN DIE GOLDENE HOCHZEIT 20. FEBR. 1918” (“IN MEMORY OF THE GOLDEN WEDDING 20th OF FEBRUARY 1918”) above coats of arms, reverse with rightward-facing profiles of King Ludwig III and Queen Maria Theresa, unmarked, measuring 38 mm in diameter, in near very fine condition.

12) Germany, Weimar. A 1920 Bavarian War Veteran’s Badge by Deschler

(Bayerische Kriegerbund Abzeichen). Constructed of silvered bronze with blue enamel, vertical pinback, maker marked “Deschler, München” on reverse, measuring 17 mm (w) x 34 mm (h), in very fine condition.

13) Bavaria, Kingdom. A 1914 Bavarian Army Commemorative Medal

(Bayerische Armee Erinnerungsabzeichen). Constructed of silvered bronze, vertical pinback, with period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 26 mm (w) x 45.5 mm (h), in very fine condition.

14) Germany, Federal Republic. A Group of Veteran’s Stick Pins

(Kriegsveteran Anstecknadel). A group of Bavarian war veteran’s stick pins, including a Life Guards Regiment veteran’s pin, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, unmarked, measuring 19 mm diameter with a 50 mm-long needle, in near extremely fine condition; an Alpine Troops veteran’s pin, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, unmarked, measuring 18 mm (w) x 20 mm (h) with a 45 mm-long needle, in extremely fine condition, and; a Bavarian Landwehr veteran’s pin, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, unmarked, measuring 16 mm (w) x 16 mm (h) with a 50 mm-long needle, in extremely fine condition, accompanied by case, constructed of cardstock with faux green leather exterior, satin-type interior lid liner with intact hinge cover, felt medal bed, magnetic metal spring release with exterior stud release, magnetic metal hinge, measuring 40 mm (w) x 90 mm (l), in extremely fine condition.

15) Germany, Federal Republic. A Pair of Bavarian Commemorative Badges

(Bayerische Erinnerungsabzeichen). A pair of commemorative Bavarian badges, including a 1954 Hubertusbrunnen reconstruction donor’s badge, constructed of gilded bronze, vertical pinback, unmarked, measuring 21 mm (w) x 45.5 mm (h), in extremely fine condition, and; a 1964 Bavarian Alpine Troops sesquicentennial badge, constructed of cupal, horizontal pinback, maker marked “Deschler, München” on reverse, measuring 41 mm (w) x 38 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Günther von Pechmann (1882-1968) was born in Neu-Ulm to parents Ludwig Freiherr von Pechmenn and Anna Freiin von Malchus on 10 November 1882. Pechmann graduated from Kadettenkorps (Bavarian Cadet Corps) then entered the Infanterie-Leib-Regiment der Bayerischen Armee (Infantry Body Regiment of the Bavarian Army) as Officer-Cadet (Portepeefähnrich) on 7 July 1901. Just over two years later, Pechmann received the promotion to Lieutenant. However, less than a year after his promotion, he transferred to the Reserve and began studying at university. Pechmann studied law and economics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg until 1907. In 1908, Pechmann helped organize the “Ausstellung München 1908” (“Exhibition Munich 1908”). From 1909 to 1914, Pechmann served as managing director of the Applied Arts Association and led the state-subsidized agency for applied arts, the Vermittelungsstelle für angewandte Kunst (Central Office for Applied Arts). During this time, he joined the Deutschen Werkbund (German Werkbund), but the First World War interrupted his growing career in the arts. Pechmann returned to service, earning the Ritterkreuz des Militär-Max-Joseph-Ordens (Knight’s Cross of the Military Max Joseph Order) in 1916, and ending the war with the rank of Major of the Reserves. He returned to his studies and completed his doctoral dissertation Die Qualitätsarbeit in 1920. Five years later, Pechmann managed the newly established Department of Gewerbekunst (Commercial/Industrial Art) at the Bavarian National Museum. This department grew under the leadership of Pechmann as he built one of the first European collections of modern art, and turned the department into Die Neue Sammlung (Design Museum), an independent museum for Applied Arts. In 1929, Pechmann became the Director of Königliche Porzellan-Manufactur Berlin (KPM) (Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin, or, later, Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur), developing high-quality commodity porcelain for mass production, and achieving economic success. Pechmann continued as a leading member of the Deutschen Werkbund (served as President of Berlin Werkbund branch) and remained a defining figure of German cultural policy until 1938 when the NSDAP forced him to give up leadership of KPM. He retired to his family estate near Tettnang and continued writing articles. After the Second World War, Pechmann revived the Die Neue Sammlung in Munich and became the Chair of the Vorsitz des Arbeitskreises für Industrielle Formgebung (Working Group for Industrial Design). Pechmann retired in 1952, but stayed active in the arts as a consultant and jury member for trade fairs and industry exhibitions. In 1962, the Federal Republic of Germany awarded Pechmann the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit. He passed away on 12 September 1968 in Munich.