Croatia ``goose`` mark.The mystery solved after 3 years.

[AG2012]

There was an extensive discussion and unknown mark on cutlery with German blades.
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... tia#p63105
One of the images saved from the post:

The same mark has been identified on Nazi Croatia Silver Medal of the Crown of King Zvonimir with Oak Leaves.

The medal was inaugurated in December 1941 and it was made in Croatia (the maker ``BK`` for Brueder Knaus). As for the bird, at first Nazi Croatia was using the same silver hallmark as Kingdom of Yugoslavia, i.e. "Rooster", and from December 1942 they introduced their own “Goose" mark. The medal is very rare (500 minted in silver) and none has ever emerged with ``rooster`` mark, so, dating ``goose`` mark since end 1942 is questionable. Anyway, it was used for a very short time during WW II. Roman numerals are the same as ``Rooster`` system and III indicate .800 fineness.
Btw. Oberleutnant Kurt Waldheim, later Secretary-General of the United Nations, was a recipient of the medal.
Best wishes

[Joerg]

Was lange währt wird endlich gut...
Thank you for solving this emotional mystery. Do you have references on the Information?
Kind regards, Jörg

[dognose]

Great sleuthing AG2012, another mystery solved!

Trev.

[Aguest]

I remember reading the old thread _____ This is a triumph!!! :) Is the medal in a museum?

[AG2012]

Hi,
The medal emerged on militaria forums and commercial sites (both Croatian and international). Close up pictures of the marks were taken in at least two examples. Medals are excellent guide for dating marks. Then I found more examples on commercial sites (not that rare as I assumed or claimed elsewhere, suspension crown of solid and movable type etc). Mostly found in lots with German military awards.
The makers are:
GK = Griesbach und Knaus (an earlier version of the above), before WW II.
BK = Braća Knaus (Brothers Knaus, Zagreb)
Another example is here.

Best wishes