Hi all,

What is the best way to remove the glue from sticky tape or blue tack from your ribbons.

Over the years I bought many medals where the ribbon was stuck down with one of the two above methods and I’m sure I’m not the only one with this problem.

Buying new replacement ribbons can be difficult and not always possible.

So how do you solve this problem ??

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

I have to correct you concerning this medal (South West Africa Police Star for Distinguished Service (SOO) (1981-1989)).

At the bottom of the listing you say mistake in description.

But look at these pictures.

  No blue roundel enamelled.

 With blue enamelled roundel.

So both versions exist.

There are also 2 versions of South West Africa Police Star for Merit (1986-1989).

Gilt – without epoxy coating in the middle.

Gilt – with epoxy coating in the middle.

Both are in my collection.

Regards, Marcon1.

PS: Archie, do you know to which medal this bar belongs ?

All the info I have is this = S.W.A. Police Bar for Full Size Medal. 3 Pins

Hi Archie,

Yes, I saw them too while looking for South African & homelands medals.

Found Dutch medals a bit boring so never started collecting them, in fact, I had 3 unnamed medals that belonged to my Grandfather and sold them.

Had they been named I would have kept them but unnamed ones can easily be replaced if need be.

Marcon1.

Hiya,

Could it be this ??

Royal Artillery: 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment 3 Castles On Shield

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

Thanks again for pictures of medals I did not know existed (only a limited amount with the wording Amalgamation Medal on the reverse, were manufactured). 

Have added it to my list of medals to look out for.

regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

According to your pictures these Police Gallantry Crosses look like the ones for the VNF.

However, I found some information that says the following = When the Venda Police was established, they took over the basic design of the Venda National Force medals, and replaced the Venda crest with the Police star. They took over the ribbon as well.

Therefor should they not have the police star on the reverse ??

As the medals look the same (as does the ribbons), how does one know which branch it is for - VNF or Police ??

Regards, Marcon1.

PS: Did the Venda Police also issue/produce these 2 medals ??

VP Distinguished Service Medal

VP Outstanding Service Medal

Hiya,

2 more variations to the above medal.

 9ct.

 No markings.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

A picture of the bar would be most welcome.

Marcon1.

Hiya,

Here are 2 more variations.

SILVER under Coat of Arms.

SILVER under L of Faithful.

Regards, Marcon1.

Specimen hallmarked S925 P S.A.M.

Hiya,

Here some interesting information concerning the above Korea medal.

SA Korea Medal

In the 1990s, the SADF ordered top-ups of all its medals, and this included the SA Korea medal. These “top-up” medals are official, and they are not copies. 

                                      Original 1953 issue.                           1990's top-up issue.

Note: on the 1990's issue a set of initials is missing. (on the right).

Note: on the 1990's issue there is no voiding on the suspender, the 1953 issue has voided suspender.

1990's issue.

 Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Megan,

Are these of any use ?

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

According to Arthur Radburn the ribbon for CDF Long Service Medal (30 years) is  and for CDF Long Service Medal (20 years) is .

Is he correct or is he mistaken (perhaps the design/colours of the ribbons were changed before/after approval).

Any thoughts ?

Marcon1.

PS: I don't know if I already asked this question.

Pro Merito Medal (PMM) - Does it exist ??

Thank you.

Hi Archie,

I've a picture/drawing of a Cross of Gallantry with a sideways head - any idea ??

Regards, Marcon1.

Hiya,

Some more information (pictures) of variations + clarification to Archie's South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (40 Years) (1980-1996).

The medal is that of the South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (30 Years) (1980 - 1996) - the 40 years is denoted by the clasp. 

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (20 Years) (1980 - 1996).

Impressed SILVER at bottom, Note open bridge between suspender and disc. (in my collection).

Impressed SILVER on suspender. (in my collection).

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (10 Years) (1980 - 1996).

Open bridge between suspender and disc. (in my collection).

mint error with closed ribbon gap . (in my collection).

Regards, Marcon1.

Hiya,

A few more. 

South African Prisons Service Medal for Merit (Commissioned Officers)  (1980-1996)

Marked SILVER on suspender.

South African Prisons Service Medal for Merit (Commissioned Officers) (1980-1996)

Note the difference in the "bridge".

Marked SILVER on suspender.

Marcon1.

Archie, I have no doubt that you have/had them seeing what you have in your collection.

I'm mentioning these variations for those collectors out there who do not know what they should be looking for.

Hiya,

Some more variations to look out for.

South African Prisons Service Star for Distinction (SPO) (1980 - 1996)

 Marked 9ct. (gold)

Archie's picture (dull gold surface) - no markings.

Shiny gold surface, no markings.

Note difference to surface.

South African Prisons Service Star for Merit (CPM) (1980-1996)

Note flat email surface and SILVER on suspender.

SILVER impressed.                                               SILVER raised. (see also Archie's picture)

Note difference in how the word SILVER appears on these two versions.

South African Prisons Service Star for Merit (CPM) (1980-1996)

SILVER impressed. (on Archie's picture SILVER is raised).

SILVER on suspender.

Marcon1.

Hi Archie/Megan,

Some additional information concerning:

South African Prisons Service Star for Excellence (SPE) (1980-1996)

 Marked 9ct (gold) + real diamond

South African Prisons Service Cross for Valour (Ruby) (CPF) (1980 -1996) 

 Marked 9ct (gold) + real ruby.

Archie's picture is marked SILVER and the stone used is NOT a ruby.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

I have seen a lot of pictures (mostly Homelands but also some SA medals) that I could use and have added to my information.

The more variations you show the more I can use.

So, thanks and keep them coming.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

How is your knowledge concerning the medals issued by the department of veterans ??

A series of decorations and medals was instituted for military veterans in 2012. To date, they appear to have been awarded only to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) veterans. How they relate to the decorations for the former liberation armies is unclear.

Any information or pictures regarding the different medals and their ribbons would be much appreciated as my information is really basic (incl. pictures of medals I do not know).

With thanks, Marcon1.

Hiya,

Operational Medal For Southern Africa - Prototype - Solid Brass - only a very few were made.

Part of my collection.

Marcon1.

Thanks Archie, that is one down, two more to go 🙂

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi Archie,

You mentioned 'the medal section' before, what is that ?

A shop were one can buy medals (if so, address please) or part of the SA Military where people can get there medals (replacements).

Regards, Marcon1.