coastie

I've tried to sort out all of the discusions about the S&L RK debates that are raging elsewhere and find it vexing, the more I read the less I understand.

Here is a heavily flawed S&L RK with a non-iron core, brass perhaps?

My question is: Is this post-war?

I agree that the EK2s made by the Gablonzer method do not tend to show evidence of burnishing. They also tend to lack the "white" frosting to the inner part of the frame. I've had mint unissued Gablonzer type specimens without frosting. The pressing process leaves the ribbed inner frame slightly coarser in finish to the outer flange in any case, giving a contrasting appearance.

Bear in mind that some firms may have used traditional methods before the introduction of the Gablonzer process so you may find both traditional and Gablonzer styles crosses with the same maker mark.

Thanks Gordon

Nothing is ever simple is it? I suspect it would be difficult to determine which method was used by documented award pieces because of the vast numbers made, distribution, storage and such.

I've seen a lot of the "russian hoarde" Meyer EK1's on the internet but never one in person, are they burnished?

Also a question comes to mind, would manufacturers have used the standard method for making the LDO crosses as opposed to the Gablonze to give it a more personal touch?

Presently is there any way to identify an 1939 Iron Cross made by the Gablonze method?

If there isn't I propose that an Iron Cross that is in it's original state of issue that has evidence of burnishing was made by the standard method of stamping out the frame using sheet metal. The absense of burnishing is from using the Gablonze method which at least in Bowen's book "The Prussian and German Iron Cross" suggest the the high sheen that resulted made it un-necessary to burnish.

I have two EK2's and 2 Ek1, both appear to have not been burnish, but may have been polished afterwards by somebody after issue.

The Ek1's one "26" B.H. Mayer, and a "L/56" Funcke and Bruninghaus The later has burnishing marks but the former does not suggesting perhaps that Meyer who did produce many EK's may have used the Gablonzes method whereas the Funcke and Brunninghaus was a small contractor and did not have access to the technology.

I know looking a 4 EK's does not confirm the theory, it would take looking at many different makers and many samples of those makers to make a determination, but it could be a interesting project.

For those who are not familiar as to what to look for, look at the picture below.

In regards to the Apollo XIII astronauts - They received from President Nixon the Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as the whole Apollo XIII Missions Operations Team.

It also appears that astronauts James Lovell, USN and Colonels Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins received the PMOF.

Hi Coastie, and welcome aboard The Forum........Why is it that no MOH's were awarded to Astronauts prior to 1979? Having watched Apollo 13 yesterday i'm curious...!!

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Thanks for the welcome . The SMOH was established as law in 1969. But can off no explanation as to why it took so long to present it.. I will try to research this a little more.

Hi Coastie,

   Interesting about the NASA awards. Can you tell us more?

  John

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Here goes:

Neil Armstrong - 1 October 1979

Frank Borman - 1 October 1979

Charles Conrad - 1 October 1979

John Glenn - 1 October 1979

Alan Shepard, Jr.,- 1 October 1979

Virgil "Gus" Grissom (posthumous) - 1 October 1979

John Young - April 1981

Lt. Gen. Thomas P Stafford, USAF, - 19 January 1993

James A Lovell - 26 July 1995

Shannon Lucid, - 3 December 1996

Lt. Cdr. Roger Chaffe, USN (posthumous),- 3 December 1997

Lt. Col. Edward White, USAF (posthumous) - 3 December 1997

Captain William M. Shepherd, USN, - 15 January 2003

I don't have the individual citations, information courtesy of "Call of Duty".

A bit more.  The medal of honor is the only U.S. medal for which there is NO miniature.  So on mess dress you would wear it suspended from the neck ribbon and the other awards would be worn in miniature on the jacket.  It is also the ONLY medal that is ILLEGAL to sell or trade.   Obviously collectors do have them as the recipients pass away.  The way that is gotten around is to sell a lesser award for the price of the medal of honor and give away the higher award.  It doesn't happen very often.  Usualy to medals that are very old.

Another note.  There are different medals of honor for different services.  Air Force, Army, Navy.  (marines and coast guard would come under the navy)

There is also a space medal of honor.  The only U.S. medal inset with a diamond.  10 were made, none have been awarded.

Civil War medal is on a standard suspension as are pre-WW1 medals.  The neck suspension came later.

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Couple of corrections: There were miniatures of the MOH but they are not worn anymore.

There have been 13 awarded NASA Space Medals of Honor.

Hey Jim, and Laurence here I am