Alex K

Hi, I don't know if this is the right place for these, but I've had them for quite a while, however I must admit as a non Soviet collector, my knowledge is limited. could any one throw some light as to what they are, and any branch of service. Thanks Alex k

He's not selling soap by any chance! Alex

additional colour photo from Ulstein Bild showing the old gentleman in 1944 with his Iron cross decs regards Alex

Hi post 4 is a fantastic photo, never seen it before, Alex

Thanks for the quick reply. I think just to be sure, I will gradually replace my existing ones with ones I know to be safer. The type I use are just little packets with a flip over lip which slots into a plastic bar on the back, Sorry no photo, at work at the moment. Edit, it's a small world http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=18183 regards Alex

Interesting article. just goes to show that one mans junk may well be another man's gold mine. The prices are quite scary though. I assume my staybright RAF buttons don't fall into quite the same bracket Alex

Thanks for the comments gentlemen. I tend to keep most of my pieces out of direct sunlight and enclosed in "Shoe boxes , some I have in wall diplays purely for decoration in my "Collecting room". but these tend to be displayed without the ribbons which are kept separately. What does concern me is that Kevin mentions plastic folders, thats what I tend to use. how do I know they are ammonia free? regards Alex

Hi Wild Card, thanks for the info, nice medal, obviously an early piece regards Alex

Hi SPM, unless you look at it with a magnifying glass the spots are not noticeable. I accept that given the age, that some deterioration will occur. It would be nice to ensure that wherever possible it didn't deteriorate further. After all, it may be in my collection, for now but eventually it will pass to someone else. these are historical artifacts which need to be preserved and protected, (No different in my opinion to ancient egyptian, Greek or Roman, pieces, the time scale may be different but they are still a piece of history). Personally I AM reluctant to mess with any pieces in my collection and at the moment will keep an open mind and a (careful eye) on their condition. Thanks for the input. I raised the question as it has been raised many times before by others who see parts of their collections suffer physical deterioration and wish to delay or prevent the obvious. regards Alex

Hi Forum members. Attached is a Prussian 25 year LS Decoration. From 1st appearance it looks to be in presteigne condition. However when looked at VERY closely, there are some small areas and spots of verdigris appearing which indicates that it is of bronze and gilt plated, "No maker mark visible,) with the surface finish wearing off in some small areas. In order to prevent further deterioration and save it in it's best condition for future custodians, how would members think of preserving it. Vaseline, WD40, Nail varnish, Tomato ketchup! Laquer, The medal is kept in a stable temperature and moisture environment but i would be most unhappy if after all the efforts, it still got worse. Does anyone have any recommendations? regards Alex

Kevin, Thanks for the comments, However as I said in earlier post, I would have another look, the results are attached, summary, no stitching on the front and no pins on the back!! what else Glue!!! regards Alex

So that's why many period photo's show little loops on their uniforms without any dec's, presumably when you received a decoration you just slipped the ribbon bar into pre-sewn loops! clever. Alex

Not wishing to para-phrase but WOW! ?not seen these before, are they particular to AH awards? regards Alex

Hi Kevin thanks for the reply, I'm sure I had a look at the back of the ribbon, unfortunately it's tri-fold so it was difficult, and didn't see any, however I'll take another look. BTW like those press studs! Regards Alex

Just to resurrect this for another silly question, How are the swords attached to the ribbons, I've had a look and can see no obvious method of securing the swords, were they sewn on? there doesn't appear to be any pins through the ribbon. regards Alex

HI SPM so its older than previosuly thought , thanks for the comments most helpful Regards Alex

I would guess a latvian fake, the swaz looks wrong and the suspension loop is to long. Poor finishing on the eyelet regards Alex

Hi Gentlemen, TerryG thanks for the link, most interesting place. I normally like to get to place like Duxford, Hendon, Cosford etc a couple of times a year, didn't know ths place existed. Must put it on my list. I agree the taxi ride is a bit pricey, but there again, you have to pay for those four Merlins, gobbling juice up regards Alex

Sorry, agreed, fake Alex

Hi TerryG, am I getting the wrong end of the stick? are you saying that this is a privately owned lanc?, Is it airworthy? regards Alex

Once more I concur with PKeating (Paddy) it is a very desirable piece. BTW, it does look like the type which was used for many fake one piece pot metal castings which floated around during the 60's and 70's IMO. there are many similarities example posted here, or do others think not? http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=15291 regards Alex K

thank you gentlemen, so the change happened to all RAO's at that time and was not a manufacturer's personal preference regards Alex

Thanks nearly as old as the wife then! on a serious note, any explanation as to when they went from smooth arms to pebbled, or was it an individual manufacturer's preference? regards Alex

Hi nesredep A beauty, congrats, I want one regards alex

Hi guys, thanks any idea as it's period? regards alex