John Bart

Hey Bill. Thanks again. I've been on the "prowl" for some new pieces and will post when they arrive. You are right though, the prices are going up, up, up! Harder to obtain. John

Hi Bill, Thanks. It's about 2" in diameter and 1/8" thick. My guess is that it's alloyed with nickel, copper & zinc (just an educated guess). Perhaps some other members have some textbook documentation on these which might describe the metal composition more accurately? I know what you mean about the prices "being out of bounds." It's a shame but a stark reality. It's a combination of "supply & demand" and just outright greed. Appreciate your comments John

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[attachmentid=28561] 1934 Table Medal Award

Thanks webr55, I didn't know that. I wonder if a list of the recipients would be easily obtained? I greatly appreciate your contribution to this thread

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Hi Bill, Here's a few close-ups of the wording you mention. I can't for the life of me make them out. I got in a close as I could before my camera "fuzzed" out. Maybe this is the artist's signature or jeweler's mm? Perhaps if someone has some good imaging software it could be blown up and seen more legibly? John [attachmentid=28483]

Hi Stogieman, Glad you like. I've been looking for another, but so far, no luck. John

Pete, Thanks. Interesting mounting setup on your medal. Never seen one like that. Very nice! John

WARLORD, Nice example.

Robert, Sorry, no idea what that "tit" could be. Mine does not have that feature. Is it centrally located on the loop? Yes, I was shocked to say the least when I dug that horse-shoe shaped swaz out of the ground. I'm unsure exactly as to what this thing might be. My guess is that it was probably some kind of a "good luck" costume jewelry. Probably early 1900's. Might even be an American Indian piece of some sort. They used the swas motif frequently until Hitler came into power. Never saw one til I dug it up. The blue inlay on the swas looks to be turquoise (a favorite of the American Indian). John

Very Cool!!!!!! Nice one, James. John

Fascinating! Thanks for that information. I appreciate your research skills

Rosenberg, Thanks much for the confirmation. I greatly appreciate it!

Hi Rosenberg, I greatly appreciate your comments! The lettering as you requested: (starting in the 6 o'clock position read clockwise) FRIDER.GVILELM.RHENANAE UNIVERSITAS.LITTER. I've been banging my head against the wall trying to find documention on this or at least a picture of one in wear. Thanks for your help. John

Thanks Duzig & Don, Duzig, that lettering I am sure is the artist's/sculptor signature. It's very hard to make out. Now that you mention it, I should take another closer look at it.

Don, Your North Rheinland Fire Cross of Merit is very very impressive! Nice, rare find John

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Speaking of metal detecting,...... (I used to have a real passion for it.) Back in the "old days" (when my knees were still in good shape) I used to go out frequently in search of old coins. I did pretty well and had lots of fun with it. Approximately 20 years ago I dug this piece in an old schoolyard. Certainly not a Third Reich piece, but kind of interesting I thought. [attachmentid=28340]

Hi Robert, As for cleaning the medal, I would suggest covering it in olive oil and let it sit a few weeks. Afterwards, take either a soft cloth or a cue tip and gently rub it. You'll be able to remove some of the oxidation & crud. This will help to "dress up" the piece without etching the surface. It'll establish nice highlights and should enhance the overall appearance. Normally I would never clean a piece (that's probably the "coin collector" in me) but with a "ground dug" piece you almost have no choice. Try it out, I think you'll like the results. John

Hello Rick, No names or date markings on the rim. No markings either on the links. Appreciate your comments. I know what you mean about the fancy calligraphy documents. I've seen those but never an award to go with them.

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