Iron Crosses to American soldiers

[aicusv]

The following is from a statement given in 1919:
“[I] cannot understand the general desire if the American soldier for the “Gott mit uns” belt buckles and the German Iron Crosses…[I] alone have sold more Iron Crosses to American soldiers than the Kaiser ever awarded to his subjects.”

—Fianale Fappen, novelty shop owner in Neuenahr

[Anderson]

It puts a window on the post WW1 souvenir market, which was huge, and worth bearing in mind every time a camouflaged helmet is viewed.

[Chopperman]

The following is from a statement given in 1919:
“[I] cannot understand the general desire if the American soldier for the “Gott mit uns” belt buckles and the German Iron Crosses…[I] alone have sold more Iron Crosses to American soldiers than the Kaiser ever awarded to his subjects.”

—Fianale Fappen, novelty shop owner in Neuenahr

Yes, there was quite a market for souvenirs and I have no doubt that many of us probably
have crosses in our collections that were made after the war to be sold to allied soldiers.

I am also fairly confident that he did not sell more crosses than the Kaiser awarded.
With 3,800,000 2nd class and 145,000 1st class crosses being awarded, Mr Fappen
would be a very busy and wealthy man.