E175
The Order of the Cross of the Eagle ("Kotkaristi teenetemärk") was instituted in 1928 by the Estonian Defence
League to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Estonian independence. It was adopted as a state order in 1936.
This fourth class award has a black enamel cross with chips on the upper most tip. Silver eagle attached to front.
Reverse exhibits minor abrasions. Planchet is suspended from correct ribbon with large rosette sewn on front. Ribbon is
soiled. Scarce order, II-
$465
Estonian Order of the Cross of the Eagle: Fourth Class
E176
The Estonian Order of the White Cross, 3rd Class ("Kaitseliidu Valgeristi III Klass") awarded for deeds during the War
of Liberation. After the conversion of the Order from semiofficial decoration into a government decoration on June
19, 1929,
the White Cross was awarded only to members of the Defence League. The planchet features a silver eagle
with bronze gilt sword attached to a white enamel cross. The obverse enamel shows only a few very tiny chips and
abrasions. Cross is finished in bright bronze gilt. Suspended from correct, original ribbon, II-
$125
Estonian White Cross of the Civil Guard, 3rd Class
E177
Officer grade badge, silver rayed Maltese cross with blue and white enameled cross arms surmounted by vaulted black
star, suspended by green enameled wreath, light blue watered silk ribbon with rosette and pin suspension. Ribbon shows
light wear, enamel has one minor chip on a lower cross edge. Likely French manufacture. The order was instituted in
December 1889, recognized by the French colonial government in 1894, and disestablished in 1963. II
$395
Dahomey Order of the Black Star
E178
"
Medaille Commemorative de Chine 1900 - 1901" was instituted on April 15, 1902, for award to the French military
(
and some civilians) who participated in the suppression of the Boxer rebellion. The 30mm diameter silver planchet is
hallmarked on the rim. Has original unmounted green and yellow ribbed silk ribbon, without clasp. II
$125
French 1900 Boxer Rebellion China Medal
E179
Model 1915 Adrian retains 90% khaki brown period repainted finish with the original horizon blue showing inside the
crown. Obverse has Medical badge. Interior has nice second pattern dark brown leather liner with pliable brown
leather chinstrap. Nice! Ex. Bill Combs collection. II
$325
French WWI Colonial Brown Medical Adrian Helmet
E180
Model 1916 trench knife has double-edged blade in good polish, edge with normal light sharpening and scuffs from the
metal scabbard; ricasso has "S.G.C.O." maker's stamp. Hilt has straight crossguard with nickel finish and one-piece
contoured wood grip. No scabbard, II
$135
French WWI Trench Knife
E181
Designed by Louis Adrian, who developed the French steel helmet, this full version of abdominal body armor, known
as the "cuirasse abdominale" in French, was introduced in January, 1916. It consists of four steel plates, a large curved
piece to fit the stomach area and three separate plates to protect the groin and upper thighs. Each plate is covered in
thick tan canvas and an outer layer of two different shades of horizon blue wool uniform cloth, the reverse is lined in
dark blue wool. All four a connected in the center by strong brown leather hinges. An olive web and leather adjustable
sling is attached to the top of the primary plate to support the unit around the neck and two iron flat hooks fit over
the soldier's equipment belt to proved further support. The set is complete but has moderate to heavy mothing on the
obverse of the wool covering and very heavy mothing on the reverse. About 80,000 examples of this pattern of
trench armor were produced. It had been intended for issue to assault infantry but proved too heavy for comfort. It
did, however, serve throughout the war as a protection for sentries and forward observers in exposed position. A rare
surviving example of trench warfare material and a better specimen, in my opinion, than the one on display at the
French Army Museum. II-
$3250
French WWI Adrian Abdominal Plate Trench Armor
E182
M1910 brown canvas and leather trimmed field sheath for the M1822/82 Light Cavalry saber scabbard. Heavily worn
and stained from use in the field, with open stitching and material damage on the drag end. Brass grommets at the
throat are intact, though the lace tie is no longer present. Very scarce WWI era accoutrement for the largely 19th
Century Cavalry force that France fielded in the opening days of the Great War. III
$150
French WWI Cavalry Saber Field Cover
E183
Black rubber eye mask has clear glass lenses, lined in white felt with cotton tape and elastic head strap system.
Manufactured by the Meyrowitz Co. and adopted in September of 1915 to replace the various patterns of civilian and
military gas goggles then in use, this pattern is generally associated with the "TN" gas mask. During the war these
goggles were often soaked in castor oil to create a better seal against gas leakage, but this caused the rubber to
deteriorate after time which is one reason these goggles are rare. This example appears to escaped the oil treatment
and are well preserved and remain somewhat flexible for their age. II+
$395
French WWI Early War Meyrowitz Rubber Gas Goggles
E184
Rectangular variant tinned iron folding field candle lantern has top bail handle, one solid (back) side and the others
complete with clear isinglass panes. Reverse of the solid panel is inscribed with an AEF doughboy's name and "1918"
date. Solid panel has sliding access hatch. Complete with French dark brown canvas carrier. II
$150
French WWI Folding Lantern With Carrier
E185
Insigne du Blessé Militaire; military version with red enamel star on gilted brass planchet. Nice example complete with
original unmounted ribbon. The ribbon was instituted in 1916, but the medal is a private purchase article, not
automatically furnished by the government. II
$55
French Military Wound Medal
E186
Croix-de-Guerre has "1914-1918" on reverse, ribbon has bronze 'cited in regimental orders' star appurtenance and
prong mounting. II
$30
French WWI 1914-1918 Croix-de-Guerre Medal
E187
Croix de Guerre with "1914 - 1918" date on reverse. Original ribbon has single star and double pin suspension.
Observed tarnished, reverse has some lacquer residue, II-
$30
French WWI Croix de Guerre 1918 Medal
