Mike Huxley

Paul, Here is what I found so far. Jacob Osborne Sergeant 18991 Royal Garrison Artillery also awarded British War Medal. This was from his medal index card. I could send you a copy of it by email only, as I believe we shouldn't post images from the archives on here. Mike

Hi Paul, Yes you are right on all counts about the the soldier. I will try and check for any further information on him for you. Mike

I’ve never seen this book before??? Err I think you have as you sold me a copy of this way back in 2006. And yes it does tell what the St Henry Gold Medal was awarded for.

I would say that the one you have is a cheap copy, when compared with the example Weitze is selling. The quality of the crown and other parts of yours is way below his one, sorry, but that is my opinion.

I'm looking forward to this book already. Have you read the book "Fighting the Kaisers War The Saxons in Flanders 1914/18"? It may be worth your while getting in touch with the author Andrew Lucas as I am sure he will have a lot of information that would help in your endeavour.

I'm shocked at the number of gullible people these days just buy items from eBay believing they have a real deal. And, to be honest Rick, I'm surprised you were taken in by this one.

Lew, What's the point of posting these after the auction has finished. I would think it is advantageous to most people to see what forum member consider to be genuine items before the auction ends. I appreciate that this could attract more bidders, but at least we could be sure the item was at least genuine.

Another fake bar on eBay from the Belgium seller "chrisnico2022"

I agree. the first should be an EK2 the GMVK cast copy has been replaced to try and add to the value

You have a point there. However, there are so many fakes about on ebay it is better to know what is genuine before you make a costly bid on something that isn't.

From what I was told by an experienced researcher from this site there were only 869 men's and 246 women received this decoration. So it is quite a rare one to find in original condition. However Rick, to my eye the quality of the one you have shown at the top of the link doesn't bode well with me, I have a feeling it could be a reproduction when comparing the leaves on the side of that one with the genuine piece both you and I have held and studied.

Rick, I think this was the bar you are referring to. Unfortunately it's no longer in my collection.

Vince, if you won't name him, then I will. This is the seller of those fake bars. chrisnico2022 Never trust what this guy sells

I saw that, well the 2 losers were lucky to not get burnt this time. The seller has posted another load of junk on ebay. I just wish we could get them reported as fraudsters. This has to be stopped

So you think medal prices on ebay are crazy, then look what sold today in the UK for £125 just for a case. Not sure it's even genuine.

Another fake EK 1870 bar from the same seller as last time, also starting at 300 euro. I wonder how many will be sucked in by it?

That's one hell of a beauty and definitely genuine Junckers. Ohhh if only I had $3800 to spare

I see your really getting back into the swing of collecting again Rick, nice bar. Do you remember that insanely brave Saxon bar that crossed the pond, that had both the Gold and Silver St Henry on it, alas missing the Gold medal, I just wish I still had it, those were the good old days of collecting.

I really can't believe how people can be taken in by this. Do they in truth think that a genuine PLM would be sold on eBay. 🤢

They're poor souls that aren't members of GMIC. ☹️

I had that offer as well Rick. At that price it's fair, but still to rich for me just now. Go on, your heart says you want it, so a little stray from the path won't hurt for once 😈

Your probably right and this guy has added another 400 euro as his mark up. All the prices are going absolutely crazy at the moment. I think I'll stick with my British WWI collecting for the time being, at least they're named and easily researchable.

More Saxon bars on eBay.de.

I agree with Vince. Also, why remove the bar and clean it, I for one would never clean a medal and remove the patina of100 years of handling and use. It always rings alarm bells for me when I see a medal without any sign of age or ware on it. You say look at the holes above the bar! Well again that rings alarm bells, why take it off in the first place? My thoughts on the holes are that in fact the bar was added in order to get a higher price. Just be careful iff your thinking of going for it.

I'll reserve judgement on this. However, to me, that's either a very highly cleaned and polished FAM and a very clean and polished bar, or it's freshly made.