coastie

It would make a great Bling.

Micha I hardly think what I suggest and the way to test the fraility of the paint would damage the core. Using silver dip like Tarn-x removes a minute layer of silver, most silver collectors can tell if an object has been dipped I don't use this method anymore. A non damaging method for cleaning silver is pan lined with aluminum foil and a solution of baking soda and salt in simmering water. Leave the object in for a couple of minutes until the patina lifts off it leaves the original luster without the appearance of subsequent polishing. Of all the Ek2's I've own (15+) none had this laquer finish on it and really doesn't do anything for the appearance of the cross. At 5+ million of these I hardly think that anything one does to these will affect the value much, these are not Grand Crosses.

It really boils down to what you and the viewer likes. You guys are generally correct in that most of the GI's did not ever wear their medals. But lets consider that the medals are meant to be worn - when warranted. If a GI remained in the service, chances are that he may have to wear the medals for some special function (change of command/honor guard/dining out, whatever). With that in mind there are certain criteria for wearing them as I mentioned earlier. One last thing is that the Phillipine Liberation medal was just a ribbon a medal was not authorized to wear on the uniform.

I would not use a polish as of yet. This looks like laquer or shellac. First I would get some boiling hot water and dip it in the water, perhaps this is water soluable. May sure you blow dry the cross afterwards to get the water out of the frame. If that doesn't work get some ethyl(denatured) alcohol on a Q-tip and if none of the enamelling comes off then dip it in the alcohol until you can scrub it lightly with a tooth brush. If that doesn't work the try Acetone on the q-tip trick if none of the black comes off then you can dip and scrub don't soak however. If none of these work get back to me I have more tricks

I'll look around but I think wearing medals on uniforms is designed for symetry. A single row up to 4 medals then it's 2 top/3 bottom, 3/3 3/4 and so on.

Sorry for the delay but here is the link it's in Adobe Pdf format http://www.bundespolizei.gv.at/all/broschu...ere-english.pdf

Rick you're right (as always ) found a web site that showed the old hats and new hats Thanks All

Thanks the Portland area GW's are better organized and big! There are at least 20 of them in the Greater Portland area. But I tend to find most of my Military stuff at the outlet. Finally snagged last year a M43 (GI) Field Jacket in my size and it cost maybe by weight $5.00

Thanks now I have to find out Austrian what?

here you go

[attachmentid=54647][attachmentid=54648] The area Goodwill's (second hand stores) have been putting out their "Halloween" items. Lots of odd ball stuff and occasional uniform items. This was yesterday's find at first I thought it was navy but I don't see any Naval style insignia. Thought it either Polish, or Austrian or what? I do like the Roundel it's very nicely done with an enamel bulls eye and bullion outer circles. Any guesses?

Thanks Paul, I was confused as to how the GK related to the group. One could conjecture that this is more a family group as opposed to a single individual but alas that is all it is but conjecture. Back to the GK: What would be the lastest this one could have been made? Is the box any clue?

Paul I just discovered your thread on dating GK's by going on the medal alone this is a Meiji period medal correct?

Here is the obverse

Here is the top of the box for the GOlden Kite, sorry about the picture and unfortunately a portion of the inscription is rubbed off.

Sure I'll post on later on, can't right now.

Thanks for the added info I knew about the name Chiyo but not the other. The G/K came with the group with no other documents linking it to the others unfortunatey other than it was sold as such.

I know the loop isn't right but the flat wide beading suggests that it's a Souval style frame. I woud be curious of the measurements of the frame.

Now you can say that you are "The member formally known as Panzerman" you might be able to market it but the "Artist formally known as Prince who is now known as Prince again" didn't have much luck with it. Welcome Newbie!

Hey Darrel it's Tomato Juice, Trust me I've been there, My cat thought it could take on a skunk and lost. Comes back into the house and afterwards trying to clean her I got more of the smell on me than on her. The chipping with the toothpick is good as well as brushing it off. Afterwards you can use a matte nail polish to isolate it from the air.

The patch is the US Fouth Army.

That puts it at the prestige level of the Coast Guard Bi-centennial ribbon.

I suppose that in a way separating The CG from the Navy may have its merits, We have our own personal awards and decorations why not this? The double racing stripe kind of throws me off.

Nice Gordon, I'm still waiting for my little tidbit to show up on ebay.

Colonel David Hackworth, the clue he was in the merchant marines.