Megan

Just so - and it is pleasing to see that Eric's work is referenced in the auction catalogue! Moreover, due to the kindness of the good folks at San Giorgio Aste, I have been allowed to use images of the items to be auctioned from said catalogue on my site. Thanks folks, Enzo & Eric in particular.

The oakleaf clasp indicates a 'Mention in Dispatches' - i.e. the individual has performed some service or deed of merit, but not sufficient for the award of a separate medal. 'OBE' - means Officer of the Order of the British Empire (the 4th class award) - unlike most nations UK orders do not show the class when ribbons only are worn, so you have to guess where within the order in question the owner of the ribbons was!

The Medal for Bravery was instituted in one class (gold) on 8 May 1939, with the silver & bronze classes being added on 11 September of the same year. It was awarded between these dates and 1945 by the German-controlled government of the Slovak Republic. The ''?" represents 'Slovakia' rather than a maker's mark. The enamel device on the ribbon appears to have been an integral part of the insignia as a whole rather than having any special significance.

Gold Decoration of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic

Cross of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic:

Nice... The first award is described as the "Cross of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic" and is to be awarded for heroism in combat or excellent command in combat. The second is the "Gold Decoration of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic" and is to be awarded to those who protect human rights and freedoms, preserve human life and property, and act in defence of law and order. Also established is a medal, the Commemorative Medal of Honour for the 90th Anniversary of the Czech Republic, to be awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the development of the state (but which appears to be going to be awarded to most members of the armed forces!). Thanks for spotting this, Antonio. Scuttling off to update my site....

As always, I have more than I've yet found time to put on the website! Must get round to it....

And the Medal "For Patriotic Achievements":

3rd Class:

2nd Class:

1st Class: Instituted: 26 November 1962. Awarded: To those who possess patriotic merit and are known for their support and contributions to the people in the battle for national independence, liberty and progress.

Having (finally!) settled down to read the 3rd Edition - I have a week off so decided to do something about the People's Republic of Albania - I am well impressed by a magnificent work.

Yep - you are right about the usefulness of the caption, James - I intended to type it in then forgot! When I have some time (not tonight, it's a parents' evening at college!) I will see how many of the medals mentioned I can find a picture of, and post them for comparison.

We can now work through the gongs (for the curious, working from the full-size image which was indeed massive, cropped each in turn then enlarged, but did not sharpen as was reaching unacceptable levels of grainyness). 1. The neck badge: 2. The miniature bar: 3. The stars: 4. The sash badge:

OK, home now. To start, the picture in more-or-less full - I trimmed the edges so as to maximise the important bits like face & medals (we can assume legs, don't need to see them!).

James has kindly sent a copy of his picture to me, I'll have at it when I get home!

If you would care to e-mail a copy to me I can put my image-fiddling skills to use...

On uniforms: during the 19th century the fashion was to dress your army like which ever one was doing well at the time on the battlefield. During the 2nd half of the 20th century the tendency was to dress your army according to which side of the Iron Curtain your political leanings were, or if non-aligned, in the style of whichever power you were most friendly with.

Nicer than the picture I've got! Thanks for showing it.

Thanks, Richard - I was going on the ribbon as I've not actually seen the full decoration before!

Interesting - not seen that before.

And the reverse - very distinctive!

Here is the obverse of the Commemorative Medal of 100th Anniversary of Patriotic War 1812 - sorry, no ribbon (it came on that of the Order of St Vladimir - red with wide black edges): Does look decidedly like your piece...

Could well be right, James - I learned those names from my father, who did in fact have a brief secondment to the Colonial Office although most of his career was in the Home Civil Service. Most civil servants, at least those with any interest in gongs, would recognise the terminology, though.

Do you have an image of the reverse, please?