KarlofGermany.com makes replica medieval knight's armor in Madison, Wisconsin
Title
Eisenkleider- Parade armor & family crests of distinction
Description
Excerpted from the website:
- Far too much time is wasted in hopes of tomorrow and memories of the past. Better live for the moment…its fleeting.
Languages
English
Address
- 2783 Ledgemont St
- Madison WI 53711 US
Contact
- Karl of Germany
-
- +1 608 274 1764, Fax: +1 608 231 9606
Additional Information
Who is Karlofgermany ?
Born in Germany during the heights of WWII and named Roland, Karl faced a childhood that was to shape his entire life and career. The oldest of three siblings, (two sisters) circumstances in post-war Germany’s seaport city of Bremen meant hardship and responsibilities from early age surrounded by ruins and complete devastation while extreme shortages demanded scrounging for food and stealing whatever was to be of use. In school he despised the watery slob of tomato soup enriched with barley, courtesy of the U.S. government yet it didn’t take long to realize bad taste is no excuse when faced with hunger; even barley and red goop of tomatoes served in a military style mess-hall eventually would appear inviting -courtesy of the victors. An average student, he despised school, especially subjects such as history which primarily covered dates of dead people no one would ever remember; yet since early age Karl was attracted by light, shape and form, an artist not in the least influenced by others but developing his own vision and personal taste… all inclusive! From embroidered designs for table cloth to creating Christmas Angels that sold for as much as 10 Deutsch Marks in postwar years; a fortune at the time though people adored his art and gladly paid for it. It was still a time when necessity demanded he also fabricate shoes for himself because none were available and even clothing was made from old military coats and uniforms. Everything was rationed and in short supply. Getting to school required a long walk across a landscape of utter devastation piled high with debris, it was also a time when American transport ships were berthed in what was left of destroyed docklands –various ships displaying white lettering such as 'LYKES LINES' (a Texas shipping company) on the side of a ship's hull which invariably left a deep impression. Those letters inspired visions of a different world; this at the age of six or seven, meaning there must be more to life than the horrors surrounding him. American troops everywhere, yet not speaking the language Karl befriended a U.S Army officer, mooching heavenly hot cocoa and white bread with peanut butter, sometimes even a stick of Wrigley's chewing gum... It was enough to raise hope and aim for a life beyond growing up in war-torn Germany. The plan was to become a chief engineer on a trans-ocean liner, and yet without his own doing Karl’s grand-mother saw to it that he would serve an apprenticeship and become a 'Women's Hair designer'. Eventually, additional experience demanded to leave Germany where he found himself after various stops in Newport/Monmouthshire (now Gwent) in South Wales, UK. It was there that he found himself. A typical Welsh comunity with the most sincere/warm-hearted people meant being truly happy for the first time and feeling at home as never before. Acceptance by the Welsh and his love for them transformed Karl into an 'Adopted Welshman'. Yet, a broken heart over a local girl eventually forced him to leave for America where soon after arrival he was called upon by the U.S. Draftboard.. within six months of being in the country. Dissenting and fleeing the wolf, he eventually got caught by the FBI hiding in New York City. With no chance to avoid the military draft he returned to South Cartolina and reluctantly joined the U.S. ARMY, later re-enlisted in Army-Aviation for a chance to fly Attack helicopters during the heights of the war (68-69) As it happened, he was with the vanguard; the first and original Attack helicopter Company (AH-1G COBRA) in Bien Hoa/South Vietnam. Yet before overseas duty and while completing final training in Maryland Karl hooked-up with a teacher who by chance happened to hail from Newport/Wales –his beloved Welsh Hometown. As a foreign student she did attend the UW-Madison in Wisconsin before accepting a job as teacher in SPECIAL EDUCATION for Severely Retarded & Physically Handicapped students. Marrying this Welsh Beauty named Mary was a stroke of luck, the most caring individual and best that could possibly have happened to Karl- for suddenly there was enough reason to make it back to the ‘WORLD’ alive from Vietnam. Let’s not forget neither had ties to the U.S and both were foreign nationals completely alone in no one in America. After separation from the Army (1971) Karl & Mary -along with their first-born son- finally had a chance to start life as Americans. Four nationally renowned hair salons with dozens of European hair-designers (all London trained in the most current fashion such as Cut & Blow-styling) allowed raising a family and live the 'American Dream' However, it wasn't enough. In the course of becoming a true American businessman Karl took advantage of the GI Bill and the National Press Photograpers Association by becoming a professional photographer), then a published author, thereafter a publisher and owning a nationally recognized company alongside four hair salons named: COIFFURES INTERNATIONAL. It still wasn't enough! With great effort & enormous expense Karl returned to Germany to apprentice once more; this time as a PLATTNER. Not the run-of-the-mill armor maker either but that of highly regarded profession during the 15th Century, specializing in creating high quality 'Parade Armor' for Royalty & Nobility serving their ostentatious demands. It was the equivalent of today’s Gucci, Rolex and Mercedes during the Renaissance. While on a business trip for a commission from Slovakia in 2001 a fluke put Karl on the trail of Germany's priceless, long lost Wartburg 'Rüstkammer'. This treasure, missing since the end of WWII is the subject of Karl’s current novel LOSERS / WEEPERS, and still in the offing…… Sadly, Mary, his beloved spouse and partner for life passed away May 08 of 2009 after 42 years. More than 500 individuals attended funeral services providing a picture who Mary was.. Exeedingly kind and caring, she's dearly missed by all. Especially noteworthy is the couple's decision to marry on extreme short notice by taking a leap of faith since knowing one other for three (3) days only, barely enough time to obtain a marriage license and blood-test results. Further exacerbated was the situation because six weeks ahead Karl was to leave for a tour of duty in Vietnam. Two strangers in precarious circumstances, yet a union meant to last –happily, one may add- until Mary’s death due to gastric cancer 42 years later... In closure: It was a happy union, guided by commitment, character, and respect for each other; almost unheard of in today’s America. A union that was blessed in spite of hardship and difficulty and yet produced three well-balanced, successful and to be proud of children. Five grand-children along with wonderful daughters-in-law round out Karl's dream of extending the family name in America. (compiled by friends & famly)
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