Favorite Finds – Johan Danner Grouping

by Denny Matheney

Johan Danner served with the Royal Bavarian Army between 1910 and 1912. During that period, he was assigned to the 5th Company of the Lieb Regiment in Munich. He purchased this custom made stein as a souvenir of his service time to the Fatherland. He returned home to Strasdorf (County Ebersberg ), Bavaria, after his two-year obligation was satisfied. He was a brewer by profession.

In August 1914, Danner was mobilized for active duty and assigned back to the 5th Company. Records show that he fought in France, Austria/Tirol, and Serbia. His regimental service includedthe Alpenkorps (mountain troops) in both Austria/Tirol and Serbia. He was hospitalized twice during his service.

In the framed photo of Johan, he is seen sporting his Iron Cross and the Bavarian Merit Cross. The photograph was taken at the Carl Berne Studio in Munich. It is assumed that this was after his medical discharge. Johan’s five-place medal bar include:the Iron Cross, the Bavarian Merit Cross, the Hindenburg Cross, the Bavarian 9-year Long Service Medal, and the Tirolean Commemorative Medal.

Documents in the group include award certificates for his Iron Cross, 2nd Class; Bavarian Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with Swords for Bravery; and the Honor Cross for Combatants. Additional award documents include: The Aufnahms Urkunde (Veterans Membership Certificate for the Lieb Regiment) and the Bavarian Commemorative Badge for the Lieb Regiment. Also included in the group is the 500+ page history of the Lieb Regiment during WWI.

So how did I acquire this grouping? I spotted it in the “new”items on the web page of a very well-known and respected Third Reich dealer. I traded a sword and bayonet for the grouping. It is obvious that we were both happy with the trade, or it would not have taken place. Since I am both a “military” and “stein” collector,I was very pleased.