Knight’s Cross Second Class with Swords (1902-1918), in silver and enamels, 36.5mm (x61.5mm including crown suspension), unmarked, extremely fine condition. Fine example.

Breast Star, in silver, center appliqué in gold, with center motto set with old cut genuine diamonds, 83mm, by Godet, Berlin (maker’s cartouche on reverse missing), of superb quality manufacture, of highest rarity, and possibly unique star. Together with fitted case of issue, marked Godet, Berlin, circa 1880-1890. Attributed to Chlodwig Carl Viktor, Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, Prince of Ratibor and Corvey (German: Fürst zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, Fürst von Ratibor und Corvey) (31 March 1819 – 6 July 1901), usually referred to as the Prince of Hohenlohe, was a German statesman, who served as Chancellor of Germany and Prime Minister of Prussia from 1894 to 1900. Prior to his appointment as Chancellor, he had served in a number of other positions, including as Prime Minister of Bavaria (1866–1870), German Ambassador to Paris (1873–1880), Foreign Secretary (1880) and Imperial Lieutenant of Alsace-Lorraine (1885–1894). He was regarded as one of the most prominent liberal politicians of his time in Germany.

Medal in solid gold, 34.2mm, weighs 20.7 grams (without ring), marked “J. RIES” under the bust, official awarded medal, minor contact marks, very fine condition.

Cross Fourth Class with Swords, in silver, silver gilt and enamels, 37.4x37.5mm, version with smooth arms, circa 1870-1880 period issue, extremely fine.

Neck Cross, in silver gilt and enamels, 57mm (x87mm including crown suspension), of fine quality manufacture, unmarked, one small enamel flake on upper arm, otherwise extremely fine, with full length of neck ribbon.

2nd Class Cross, in gold and enamels, 52.5x52.5mm, very fine quality, near mint condition.

Cross Third Class, in gold and enamels, 38x38mm, marked “JG & S” between the arms (Godet), very fine quality, extremely fine condition. Fine example.

Medal in solid gold, King Ernst August (1846-1878), 36mm, weighs 38 grams, “large head” version (OEK729), rim impressed “PAPE.”, good very fine, and rare.

Friedrich I. (1856-1907), silver medal 41mm, very fine, in case of issue, without ribbon.

Knight’s Cross First Class with Crown, in gold and enamels, 39mm (x61mm including crown suspension), of fine quality manufacture, extremely fine, scarce.

An early breast star, circa 1840-50, in silver, 77mm, center appliqué in gold and enamels, pin in gold, with very fine intricate center, finely detailed, thin star, 52.5 grams, with fine old patina, extremely fine condition, in original case of issue! Extremely rare and an early star of the premier Saxon Order.

Officer’s cross, in silver gilt and enamels, 56x56mm, one enamel flake on upper arm, of fine quality manufacture by H. Rose, extremely fine, in fitted case of issue, circa 1915.

(1858-1866); Commander’s Cross with Swords, in gold and enamels (swords in silver), 45.5mm (x72.3mm including crown suspension), of very fine quality manufacture, unmarked, circa 1860, one enamel flake on obverse upper arm, otherwise nearly extremely fine and extremely rare.

Neck Cross Second Class, in gold and enamels, 47.3mmx47.3mm, by Wagner (bottom arm marked W), of very fine quality manufacture, extremely fine condition, without any enamel imperfections, on a long original neck ribbon.

to Major Fritz Wulf, comprising Order Pour-le-Merite, very fine medal bar, awards, and original award documents (including Pour-le-Merite Award Document) plus other extensive collection of documents and papers; Order Pour-le-Merite awarded to Wulf in 1918 under these circumstances: General Lieutenant von Kleist, nominated him by telegraph on the 5th of October for the Pour-le-Merite. In his reasoning, Kleist wrote “Major Wulf - as commander of the 111st Infantry Regiment stormed the commanding heights of Montrebeau, overcoming the vastly superior Americans, not only liberating the position again, but pulling the whole front with them so that the Americans were expelled, suffering great losses. He resisted all of the hefty counter-attacks. Always at the front and setting a fine example, he drew his men forward, and by virtue of this strong personality he motivated them to fight bitterly to their ultimate death. I request that his outstanding officer be awarded the Pour-le-Merite.” This very extensive group comprises: Order Pour-le-Merite, in silver gilt, hollow, with makers mark “J.G. & S.938”; in extremely fine condition, showing only very minimal signs of wear, with a replacement loop and nice original, long ribbon measuring 21.5 inches. (Note: The hollow version of the PLM by Godet is considered very rare). Also included in this group to Major Wulf are the following awards: 10 –Piece Medal Bar – All on original ribbons, mounted German style, as worn by Major Wulf: the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class; the House Order of Hohenzollern, Knight with Swords, silver gilt and enamels, maker “W 938”; Baden, the Military Order of Charles Frederick, Knight’s Cross First Class, silver gilt and enamels; Baden, the Order of the Lion of Zahringen, Knight’s Cross Second Class with Swords and Oak leaves, in silver gilt and enamels; the Hohenzollern Honor Cross Third Class with swords, silver, silver gilt; the Hohenzollern Honor Cross Third Class, silver; Austrian Empire, the Military Merit Cross Third Class with War Decoration, silver gilt and enamels; the Centennial Medal 1811-1911; the Military Long Service Cross - 25 Years, gilded; the Wilhelm Centenary Medal for 1897. All awards are in very fine to extremely fine condition. Also included in a grouping are: a miniature Pour-le-Merite, in silver gilt and enamels, on button hole device; Two ribbon bars, one 7 piece with pin, one 9 piece; Golden wound badge with matching miniature stick pin; Hindenburg Cross 1914-1918 (all these in very fine to extremely fine condition); Importantly, included are a large selection of original award documents, and other original documents/papers/letters ( two of which prominently exhibit the signature of Kaiser Wilhelm); Award document for the Order Pour-le-Merite, dated 8.10.1918; Award document for Baden, the Military Order of Charles Frederick, Knight’s Cross First Class, dated 13.7.1918; Award document for Baden, the Order of the Lion of Zahringen, Knight’s Cross Second Class with Swords and Oak leaves, dated 1914; Award document for the Hohenzollern Honor Cross Third Class, dated 1909; Award document for Golden Wound Badge, dated 1920; Award document for the Centennial Medal 1811-1911; Award document for Austrian Empire, the Military Merit Cross Third Class with War Decoration; Promotion Document Hauptmann, dated 1911, signature of Kaiser Wilhelm II; approximately another 20-30 documents and papers, letters (award documents and other documents in generally very fine condition); Two original period portraits (One of the Wulf family and a sitting portrait of Major Wulf wearing the offered Pour-le-Merite c.1930); additionally, there are 4 newspaper articles directly relating and announcing Wulf as a Pour-le-Merite recipient. Modern researches regarding Wolf’s wartime actions are included as well. Biography: Fritz Wulf, born August 23rd 1874 in Herne, Westphalia, following high school in 1893 joined the local Fusilier Regiment 40 as an ensign, and by 1994 had become a Lieutenant. By 1911, Wulf had attained the rank of captain and company commander. Captain Wulf joined the staff of the 14th R.K., on the first day of mobilization. He occupied various positions within the general command, until he was transferred to be a battalion commander in the 170th Infantry Regiment, which by the autumn of 1915, was serving at the front. In the following 3.5 years, Captain Wulf was the combat troop commander on the western front and was wounded a total of five times. Therefore, in addition t the highest Prussian military award, the Pour-le-Merite, he also held the “Golden Wound” award. Captain Wulf took part in the battle of the Somme with the 1st Infantry Regiment 170. He bravely defended his position near Sommecourt and was wounded twice during this bitter conflict. Nonetheless, he was forced to finally give up his command when he was wounded for the third time. He was taken to a nearby field hospital in serious condition. At the beginning of December 1917, Wulf had recovered and was reassigned for field duty. He was first given the leadership of a small special formation in the Black Forest. However, in March 1917, Captain Wulf returned as the commander of the 52nd Divison’s 111th Infantry Regiment and took part in positional battles at the Chemin des Dames on the Aillette and the Champagne. On the 18th of August, 1917, Captain Wulf was promoted to Major. During the first offensive in March 1918, Major Wulf and his battalion stormed the heights to the west of the Avre Creek between Montdidier and Amiens, where, the German attack came to a standstill. In the battle, near Soissons and Reims, which commenced on the 27th of May 1918, with the storming of the Chemin des Dames, he and his battalion distinguished themselves in such a way that his name was submitted in June for the Pour le Merite due to his outstanding achievements and personal bravery. In autumn, the 1918 defensive battles occurred. Major Wulff fought firstly with his battalion in the bitter defensive near Monchy-Bapaume, before finally diverging over the North Canal to the Siegfried position. Next, Wulf and the battalion took part in a defensive battle between the Argonne Forest and Maas, during which Major Wulf, as deputy regimental commander of the 111st Infantry Regiment, performed excellent feats of weaponry to such an extent that the commanding General Lieutenant von Kleist, nominated him by telegraph on the 5th of October for the Pour-le-Merite. In his reasoning, Kleist wrote “Major Wulf - as commander of the 111st Infantry Regiment stormed the commanding heights of Montrebeau, overcoming the vastly superior Americans, not only liberating the position again, but pulling the whole front with them so that the Americans were expelled, suffering great losses. He resisted all of the hefty counter-attacks. Always at the front and setting a fine example, he drew his men forward, and by virtue of this strong personality he motivated them to fight bitterly to their ultimate death. I request that his outstanding officer be awarded the Pour-le-Merite.” Three days later, on the 8th of October 1918, Major Wulf was awarded the Pour-le-Merite by the supreme commander. Following this award, Wulf and his troops continued to perform outstandingly, as shown in the following extract from the order of the say from this commander of the 52nd Infantry Division, General Lieutenant von Borries – October 15th 1918. “ On the 29th of September the Markgraf Ludwig Wilhelm Infantry Regiment magnificently stormed and conquered the heart of the enemy position, Mount Montrebeau, under the command of his deputy commander, Major Wulf, regaining the battlefield position to the east of Argonnen, giving some breathing space to the two severely weakened Guard Divisions. All regiments then managed to withstand the superior forces of the enemy in positions as ordered, attacked from the rear and at the flanks, defending every step, initially along the Lichtenauer and Marienhoehe and then in the Krimheldon position. The Infantry Regiment 169 distinguished itself in the particular through its exemplary defence of the Marienhoehe and the heights to the north-west of the Gesnes. Supported by sections of the neighboring division and its core regiment, the Baden “Leib-Gren”. Regiment 109 maintained its position in the face of enemy advances on both flanks until orders to withdraw were given. Once again, it was Major Wulf, assistant commander of the 169th Infantry Regiment who was in command along the section of front. The Pour-le-Merite was awarded to him for his prior and recent efforts by His Majesty, King and Kaiser.” After the war, Major Wulf belonged to the Reichswehr in Karlsruhe for a short time. He left in the summer of 1919. Major Wulf joined the police following the war, and became the police commander in Essen. Here, during the spring of 1920, he was involved in heavy fighting against the Sparticists during the Kapp Putsch, fighting which became infamous as a result of the atrocities committed by the rebels at the water tower and the post office. Major Wulf himself was attacked by the rebels in his vehicle, but was able to escape to Wessel, from where he was able to take part in the action to liberate Essen. In 1921, he left the police. He died in Kassel, on the 3rd of November 1934, where he worked peacefully as a local merchant. (This Pour-le-Merite comes with an expert evaluation from D.Niemann).

Order of Pour le Merite, awarded to Major Fritz Wulf; Cross Measures 52.1 x 54 mm, weighs 32.8 grams, cross is silver-gilded, maker mark “J.G.&.S.938”. With long original worn neck ribbon (21.5 inches). Cross shows small chip on reverse – Family tradition says that this chip occurred when he served as the Police President from Dusseldorf during the 1920’s. With cross comes also Wulf’s 6-place ribbon bar. Purchased directly from the family, this fine Pour le Merite was awarded to Major Fritz Wulf - Battalion Commander, 111th Infantry Regiment on 8 October 1918. Biography: Fritz Wulf, born August 23rd 1874 in Herne, Westphalia, following high school in 1893 joined the local Fusilier Regiment 40 as an ensign, and by 1994 had become a Lieutenant. By 1911, Wulf had attained the rank of captain and company commander. Captain Wulf joined the staff of the 14th R.K., on the first day of mobilization. He occupied various positions within the general command, until he was transferred to be a battalion commander in the 170th Infantry Regiment, which by the autumn of 1915, was serving at the front. In the following 3.5 years, Captain Wulf was the combat troop commander on the western front and was wounded a total of five times. Therefore, in addition to the highest Prussian military award, the Pour-le-Merite, he also held the rare “Golden Wound” Medal. Captain Wulf took part in the battle of the Somme with the 1st Infantry Regiment 170. He bravely defended his position near Sommecourt and was wounded twice during this bitter conflict. Nonetheless, he was forced to finally give up his command when he was wounded for the third time. He was taken to a nearby field hospital in serious condition. At the beginning of December 1917, Wulf had recovered and was reassigned for field duty. He was first given the leadership of a small special formation in the Black Forest. However, in March 1917, Captain Wulf returned as the commander of the 52nd Divison’s 111th Infantry Regiment and took part in positional battles at the Chemin des Dames on the Aillette and the Champagne. On the 18th of August, 1917, Captain Wulf was promoted to Major. During the first offensive in March 1918, Major Wulff and his battalion stormed the heights to the west of the Avre Creek between Montdidier and Amiens, where, the German attack came to a standstill. In the battle, near Soissons and Reims, which commenced on the 27th of May 1918, with the storming of the Chemin des Dames, he and his battalion distinguished themselves in such a way that his name was submitted in June for the Pour le Merite due to his outstanding achievements and personal bravery. In autumn, the 1918 defensive battles occurred. Major Wulf fought firstly with his battalion in the bitter defensive near Monchy-Bapaume, before finally diverging over the North Canal to the Siegfried position. Next, Wulf and the battalion took part in a defensive battle between the Argonne Forest and Maas, during which Major Wulf, as deputy regimental commander of the 111st Infantry Regiment, performed excellent feats of weaponry to such an extent that the commanding General Lieutenant von Kleist, nominated him by telegraph on the 5th of October for the Pour-le-Merite. In his reasoning, Kleist wrote “Major Wulf - as commander of the 111st Infantry Regiment stormed the commanding heights of Montrebeau, overcoming the vastly superior Americans, not only liberating the position again, but pulling the whole front with them so that the Americans were expelled, suffering great losses. He resisted all of the hefty counter-attacks. Always at the front and setting a fine example, he drew his men forward, and by virtue of this strong personality he motivated them to fight bitterly to their ultimate death. I request that his outstanding officer be awarded the Pour-le-Merite.” Three days later, on the 8th of October 1918, Major Wulf was awarded the Pou-le-Merite by the supreme commander. Following this award, Wulf and his troops continued to perform outstandingly, as shown in the following extract from the order of the say from this commander of the 52nd Infantry Division, General Lieutenant von Borries – October 15th 1918. “ On the 29th of September the Markgraf Ludwig Wilhelm Infantry Regiment magnificently stormed and conquered the heart of the enemy position, Mount Montrebeau, under the command of his deputy commander, Major Wulf, regaining the battlefield position to the east of Argonnen, giving some breathing space to the two severely weakened Guard Divisions. All regiments then managed to withstand the superior forces of the enemy in positions as ordered, attacked from the rear and at the flanks, defending every step, initially along the Lichtenauer and Marienhoehe and then in the Krimheldon position. The Infantry Regiment 169 distinguished itself in the particular through its exemplary defense of the Marienhoehe and the heights to the north-west of the Gesnes. Supported by sections of the neighboring division and its core regiment, the Baden “Leib-Gren”. Regiment 109 maintained its position in the face of enemy advances on both flanks until orders to withdraw were given. Once again, it was Major Wulf, assistant commander of the 169th Infantry Regiment who was in command along the section of front. The Pour-le-Merite was awarded to him for his prior and recent efforts by His Majesty, King and Kaiser.” After the war, Major Wulf belonged to the Reichswehr in Karlsruhe for a short time. He left in the summer of 1919. Major Wulf joined the police following the war, and became the police commander in Essen. Here, during the spring of 1920, he was involved in heavy fighting against the Sparticists during the Kapp Putsch, fighting which became infamous as a result of the atrocities committed by the rebels at the water tower and the post office. Major Wulf himself was attacked by the rebels in his vehicle, but was able to escape to Wessel, from where he was able to take part in the action to liberate Essen. In 1921, he left the police. He died in Kassel, on the 3rd of November 1934, where he worked peacefully as a local merchant. (This Pour-le-Merite comes with an expert evaluation from D.Niemann).

Germany and Waterloo Campaign medal, 1814-15, medal in bronze with gilt raised points, as awarded to NCOs, 42mm, impressed around the rim “HERZOGTH GOTHA VND ALTENBVRG MDCCCXIV-MDCCCXV”, original ribbon, excellent quality and in very fine condition. Only 223 awarded, very scarce medal, and hard to find n this condition.

Knight's Cross, in silver gilt and enamels, unmarked, typical WWI period issue, of fine quality manufacture, in extremely fine condition. This order was the oldest military order of the states of the German Empire. It was founded on October 7, 1736.

4th Class, with period ribbon, silver, center appliqué in gold, unmarked, very fine condition.

Officer's Cross - (1909-18), in silver gilt and enamels, centre in gold and enamels, pin back, unmarked, extremely fine / near mint condition, of very fine quality make. With original case of issue, marked "Bury & Leonnard Hofjweliere Hanau" (case in fine to very fine condition).

Women and Young Woman 1870: on original bow ribbon with pin. Honor Cross has silver frame with red and black enamels - in near mint condition. Additionally, the Franco-Prussian War Medal 1870-71, steel, in extremely fine condition. Together, both medals are contained within fine quality leatherette original case of issue. The case remains solid and is in very fine condition. (This item comes with an expert evaluation from D.Niemann).

In gold and enamels, marker mark 'W' on bottom arm, in extremely fine condition, measuring 42.8 x 42.9 mm.

Neck Cross, with original long ribbon. Measures 52.2 x 52.0 mm, unmarked, in gold and enamels, slight chipping to centre enamel but otherwise in very fine overall condition.

Breast Star, in silver, center in gold and enamels, pin back, 57.3 x 57.4 mm, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.

Mounted for wear as originally worn, with original ribbons on metal bar: Order of the Red Eagle - 4th Class, early issue with smooth arms - c.1870-71; the Franco-Prussian War Medal 1870-1871 with the Gravelotte-St.Privat, Metz, Villiers, and Paris bars; the Koniggratz Cross-1866, with combatant ribbon, and finally, the Wilhelm Centenary Medal- 1897. All medals remain in very fine condition showing lovely patina.

Cross 3rd Class, in gold and enamels, bottom arm marked “W” (for Wagner), with ribbon, measuring 34.4 x 34.5mm, one slight enamel flake, in very fine condition. With original, fitted, red case of issue.

of Hohenzollern: Knight's Cross with swords. Based on research, likely awarded to the son of Karl von Stumpff, who was a recipient of the Pour-le-Merite and Commander of the 234th Infantry Division in April 1918 on the Western Front. Cross is made of silver gilt and enamels, marked "S & W 937" on the bottom arm, official WWI issue, with original ribbon, and in extremely fine condition. (This order comes with expert evaluation from D.Niemann, confirming likely recipient).

In gilt and enamels, 1920's made, mounted on original ribbon, measures 37.7 x 37.7 mm, very fine condition.

in silver, measuring 28.31 mm in diameter, with original ribbon as worn, has a nice patina, in fine condition. Very Rare.

of Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Officer's Cross, pin back, 44.9 x 44.9 mm, marked "B.KNAUER" on the reverse of pin, in silver, silver gilt and enamels, with slight enamel chipping on the upper arm of the cross, in very fine condition. This cross was awarded to Karl von Stumpff, a recipient of the Pour le Merite and Commander of the 234th Infantry Division in April 1918 on the Western Front. (Comes with expert evaluation from D.Niemann confirming Karl von Stumpff as recipient).

Duke Friedrich I, 1803-1816 Bravery Medal, in silver, worn, with correct (replacement) ribbon, in very good to fine condition; very scarce award.

Grand Cross, measuring 70 x 66 mm, in silver gilt, with excellent quality enamels, no chipping, unmarked, without sash ribbon, in extremely fine condition. (This order comes with an expert evaluation from D.Niemann).

First Class Cross with swords, in gold and enamels, back plate in silver gilt, 51x51mm. Well marked, with “925” on pin, and “JUWELIERE GEBR. HEMMERLE VORM. ELCHINGER – MUNCHEN”, of very fine quality make, in near mint condition. Circa 1900-1915. Contained within original case of issue, marked “GEBR. HEMMERLE Juwuliere MUNCHEN Maximilanstr. 14”. Excellent example.