roystone

Paul and Hugh, Thanks for the replies. This medal is an enigma for sure. Like you Paul, I think the .800 mark has the signs of a German hand. Italian marks were usually in an oval shape. The Cartouche shape (from what I can glean on the net) is a shape used by Karl Hohmann in Pforzheim in the 1920's-40's. Unfortunately I cannot read into it. Quite why that company would be making this medal is questionable, so I have a hunch it is not an official issue. Having said all that, I have found a further reference to the shape of the Cartouche only being present on Italian made silver post 1968..! What's more I have found a photo of Guggenberger actually receiving his Al Valore di Marina from the Duke of Aosta, on parade in March 1942, and I have no idea if these medals were named prior to presentation. The rank TDV hints of Italian naming....but on a German-made medal? Hmm! For info, Guggenberger was sunk and then rescued off Brazil in July 1943 by the US, so for all I know all his gongs are at the bottom of the Atlantic! Unless they were safely with his wife at home back in Germany.... Best, Roy

Friends, I was wondering if I could solicit a little help regarding this medal which I have secured on a whim, or possibly on a hunch. Way out of comfort zone, but a project nonetheless. Named as we see to "Tdv Freiderich Karl Guggenberger" a U-Boat Kapt of some renown. Bought with little research, but yielding much of course. Could I pick a few brains, as this medal throws up a number of questions... 1.Not a FG issue, rather it has 800 mark and what I think is likely a maker's cartouche - Milan maybe. Correct for this issue I wonder, although I am aware there are many variations. Seen 800 on many wartime medals in the past. 2. Wreath on the back is unusual..with half as oak leaves. Ribbon bow at the base not seen before. 3. Engraving crude - possibly done in "field conditions" ie unofficially - if indeed this was awarded named in the first place, (awarded on parade in march 1942. Guggenberger was on active service) 4. TDV - Italian rank of "Tenente di vasello" = Captain. Indicating Italian naming? Now, this could be a complete turkey, but if a deliberate fake, why make anything like this with so many questionable attributes? Because it's so wrong, might make it right...some might say! There is a LOT on Guggenberger out there, cannot find anything alluded to in the past about his awards - yet alone this one. So, don't hold back either way on opinions! best in collecting, Roy