I have been asked to forward this question/consideration on the to the group.
When referring to the German von in a name, older Prussian style which began I believe in the military
a v or v. was used (example in my family v Pfeiltizer gennant Franck) when the designation was related to noble matriculation. You will find this consistent with their standard reference works such as the Adels.
My own example is quite useful to note that the family originally had a last name
Franck is one of the oldest on record as far as I can see - 9th century Polish - some nobility had last names, some didn't
v Pfeiltizer is not a place but a heroic designation - a kind of super master archer. Some of these titles were qualitative or locational or other
On the other hand a von was used to designate a simple "from" or "of" or in some cases, a purchased title.
So von is popularly used both ways, but most resources distinguish between von and v as the Prussians tended to prevail
So my concern may be far too late in the game - but wondered what peole thought.
In German oriented genealogical groups, I have noted a particular desire for American users (I'm Canadian) to be able to distinguish the two as part of this relentless search for what they call gateway ancestors
a von was used for all others
