***Antonio Wednesday’s Wonders ***
A Foto (CDV) with a lovely Medal Bar.
Well, this picture left my collection a while ago but still, it is worth to talk about it, the Bavarian artillery officer and the exclusive medal bar shown in it.
It has the following Decorations:
– Militärverdienstorden 4. Klasse OHNE Schwertern (without Swords)
– Jubiläumsmedaille für die Armee 1905.
– Roter Adlerorden 4. Klasse
– Dienstauszeichnungskreuz 2. Klasse für 24 Jahre (for officials)
– Schwertorden Ritter 1. Klasse (Sweden)
At the back of the picture we could read: “Herr Lieutenat Hoffmann, z.t.E. Döllner” and “Herbst 1909” (Autumn). He is also wearing an Artillerie uniform.
Having a look at the book “Militär Handbuch des Königreichs Bayern“ from 1913, we find a Johann Döllner, who was in charge of the Artillerie-Deport in Fürth. The book is also showing the decorations, that each of the officers had in that moment. And Yes, he has the Swedish Decoration, which was received by a very small number of officers. Cross checking this information with the Hauptarchiv in Munich, we find, that his full name was: Johann Simon Anton Christian Döllner, born on the 13th of June 1864 (St. Anthony’s Day, hence, for sure, Anton).
He served during the First World war in an artillery department in Munich: “Technisches Betriebs-Bataillon AW (=Artillerie-Werkstätte) München”. During that time, he was awarded with the following decorations:
– Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse.
– König-Ludwig-Kreuz.
The funny thing about his records and decorations is, that the Bavarians are separated from the rest.
So, at the end, a simple picture and a medal bar, can give so much information away. That and, of course, a bit of time to invest.