jeffskea

Thanks for posting a pic of one, and they are unofficial? The medal seems the exact same as the offical one just the ribbons changed correct?

Thank you very much for the info, would you say it has any value even though unofficial?

Good day, I just picked up this French medal which appears to be the commemorative medal for the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71 issued around 1911. I just can't find the same medal with this particular ribbon and style of "Engage Volontaire" Clasp - all others I have found have the green ribbon with 4 black stripes and a different style bar. Has anyone seen this same type before? The obverse of the medal has 'Georges Lemaire' underneath the "R" in Replublique and on the reverse the L encircled G makers mark. The ribbon looks like its orginal just haven't been able to find much on it, any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Jeff

Thanks very much, so far I have been able to confirm his CD in the National Library and Archives however it doesn't provide any further info about him or his unit so will keep researching.

Thanks Chris that is great I will see what I can find and post it. Very appreciated. Jeff

- Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp - 1939-45 War Medal - Canadian Forces Decoration (G.VI) with 2 bars (initially awarded for 12 yrs service and a bar for each 10 years so over 32 years service total)

Just recently aquired this set of three, nothing too unusual but I haven't seen too many G.VI CD's with two bars so thought I would post it, medals are in very nice condition and still tells a story. It is named to W.O.2 G.F. Finn - so if I'm correct he probably joined as a regular in 1939 and rose to W.O. Class II by 1951 for his first CD and retired in the early 70's. Haven't been able to find much on the man's service but will enjoy searching.

Here is the outside of the case.

Hello Emmanuel thank you so much for your information. I had always wondered why mine looked so different from the Knight levels. I never knew there was a lower level and have never seen one until you posted yours. Here is the obverse, reverse and a few pictures of the case. It is interesting that the enamels are reversed on our two examples, do they have much value?

Hello, Here are a few more pictures hope they are more helpful - the blue enamel on the shield has faded somewhat but other wise it is in very good condition. Jeff

Thank you very much for the info.

Hello Secandar, yes I would consider selling it to you, I sent you a private message, thanks. Jeff

For British Generals I agree that Bill Slim was one of the finest during WWII - he fought and led soldiers in the difficult campaigns of East Africa and Burma; a man who was definately a soldier's general who spoke the native tongue of many of his Indian troops and was affectionatley nicknamed Uncle Bill by those who served under him. He brought his "Forgetten Army" back from retreat to win a hard earned victory over the Japanese under very harsh jungle conditions. I also believe Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke deserves recognition as another great commander. Alanbrooke was a humble man who hated war for what it was yet had a clear and sound mind both tactically and strategically and understood what the Allies needed to accomplish for the war to be won. He had zero tolerance for incompetence and declined more glorious field commander positions to remain as CIGS to continue serving alongside Churchill understanding the Prime Minister's eccentricites yet not afraid to stand his ground. I think he was the vital and steady pulse that quietly but signifigantly lead England through the War to victory.

O no I wish! I think just to even see them would be a treat, but for such a decorated policeman I can't seem to find anything other than a short biography. You would think one of the numerous police forces he served for would have his medals, maybe they do I will have to research more but when you look at the list of countries that awarded him a decoration it is amazing, it covers the entire world from Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. If they ever came on to the market it would probably be close to six figures in value I would think but I would be more interested in just seeing them and reading about his fascinating career.

Just wondering if anyone knows of any good pictures of Colonel Sir Arthur Young, KBE, CMG, CVO, KPM, and if he ever wrote an autobiography. The only information I can gather is from wikipedia, but he had a very impressive career as a policeman, was one of the youngest to become a chief constable before WWII, and became one of the most decorated policeman over a career spanning the mid '20s to 1970. During the War he was Senior Police Officer in the Mediterranean, and after served in the Herefordshire, Met, London Police, RUC, and overseas in Malaya and Kenya during the Mau Mau. His list of foreign decorations is pretty incredible as well (30!) so I can only imagine the stories he would have had and would be very surprised if no book was ever written about him. Any info would be great. Jeff

That is excellent thank you for the information I will write them and and see what I can find, my Dad an I were looking on ancestry and found a few F. Bellows, one good match was an Iron Mongerer from Blandford Forum so that would explain the Volunteer Brigade. Jeff

Here is a close up of the 4 bars. On the obverse is the makers mark V &S and a stamp but I can't quite make out the symbols.

Good day, I just found this Blandford Fire Brigade Long Service Medal with 4 bars spanning service from 1906 to 1936 named to Foreman F. Bellows. I don't know much about County Fire Brigade awards but found that Blandford is in Dorset, just wondering if anyone has any information about Fire Brigade medals or this particular Brigade. Thanks. Jeff

Ah that is too bad but thank you for the translation, much appreciated!

The MID oakleaf is just sewed on backwards.

Thank you both for the information, I will hang on to it as it still makes an interesting conversation piece. Jeff

Here is a close up of the recipient.

Good day, I have a Japanese-Russo War Medal that came with its original wooden box and a picture of the recipient, just wondering if anyone would be able to translate the words next to the photo, that would be very appreciated. Sincerely, Jeff

Hello, I found this quite cheap at an antique store and apparently is the Peruvian Police Order of merit. I asked around and many collectors stay away from South American awards as they have little value, just wondering if anyone is interested in them and has any experience collecting medals from Peru. Thanks. Jeff

Here is the obverse of the "Italian Unification Medal" but it is exactly the same as the WWI Campaign Medal with Coniata Nel Bronzo Nemico on the reverse. So either it is a different medal or the medal was lost and this used instead.