Alex K

Polish forces in the west medal, saw one today in a shop for 25GBP

regards

Alex

Hi Chris, Values are a little bit difficult to assess, The virtuti militai doesn't have a number on the reverse, (The number incidentally is a recipients number and as such can be attributed to a specific person) for this reason they generally have a higher value very similar to British medals. Looking around, dealer prices for unnumbered crosses vary from 85-150GBP

The cross of merit, 20-30GBP

The other items, Don't know as yet

Just my opinion, perhaps someone else can add to my figures

regards

Alex

Hi Ibsr Thanks for the confirmation, I didn't think t was polish

regards

Alex

Just picking up from Kevin's thread, I am wrong, it is post war (The crowned eagle fooled me). I believe it is called

"Polish Armed Forces in the West Military Action Cross" and was as Kevin states awarded with numerous bars

"Awarded to former members of the Polish Armed Forces in the West, subordinated to the Government in Exile in London, who participated in any of the campaigns" quote from Awards and Decorations of Poland website

regards

Alex

Here is a link to a similar question I posed not long ago with more info

Alex

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=16929

Hi Chris, nice presents! yes they are Polish, the first is the Order Virtuti Militari 5th class in silver, Is it numbered on the reverse? they normally are, if so it can be quite rare, it is difficult to say what period it is, it can be pre-war, wartime, issued by the Polish Government in exile in London or post war, I'll try to post some more info later.

The 2nd is the cross of merit, it came in three classes, gold silver and bronze, you obviously have the gold version.

The 3rd, Polish, possibly pre-war, due to the crown on the eagle, don't know what it is yet

The 4th is a Polish cap badge, possibly post war due to the uncrowned eagle.

4th don't know, but looks more communist Yugoslavian than Polish but I could be wrong.

trusting this helps a little

regards

Alex

Thanks kepi Blanc, it looks like an S & L, but couldn't be sure, could you post any closer pictures as a like S & L RK's, BTW are there any other maker marks on the ek1 & 11, I am waiting to obtain a EK 11 cased, not got one yet unfortunately.

Edit BTW matricule is completely me to me hence the question

regards

Alex

Hi Kepi welcome to the forum, nice pieces, any ID on the RK maker? BTW Chris, pardon my ignorance, but what is "Matricule"?

regards

Alex

Hi 922F Thanks for the comments. This award is one of my themes. Prices do seem to have gone up a bit though. My next quest is to obtain a third class Commander class, and also military versions, I have an officer military.

regards

Alex

Hi Lawrence, nice hats. BTW the crusher isn't unfortunately a 1950's authentic one, (Wish it was). It was one I picked up at a local flea market quite some while ago. It looks like someone tried to make it look like a TR crusher. I re-attached a badge and chin strap. The date code inside is H

regards

Alex

My NVA Officers with the saddle shape

and just for fun, a crusher

My personal favourite NVA officers with a pronounced high crown and a nice saddle form shape

third, dead rabbit, no badge at the moment!

the second, enlisted mans

Hi, attached as requested a few more of the ones I can find.

first the airforce Airforce enlisted man

I thought I would share my latest purchase, It's the Hungarian Order of Merit, Officer class. No makers mark but in fine condition with a nice patina on the reverse, I like the quality of the enammeling of these, done to a very high standard. Were these made in Hungary or other places?. I was suprised to see that it is quite a bit larger than the Knights class of the order.

edit it's very convex

regards

Alex

That's a very interesting list of date codes.

Alex

Hi I particularly like the way the eagle is moulded to the shape of the hat, side view

very nice

Alex

Hi Carol I, excellent photo's, thanks. I've never seen the republican version with the oakleaves.

regards

Alex

Hi 922F, It is a lengthy reply but one full of useful information. I will take my time to digest the info contained, as I'm sure it will help me in the future. A number of Bulgarian awards are a particular theme of mine.

The ribbon I posted is from an early Order of Civil Merit Commander class so may show different shades to those described by you for later awards.

Thanks for the input.

Regards

Alex

Hi Tony, It was a 22,000lb "Grand Slam" bomb, as you say, one per Lancaster. I think, but not sure without checking, it was by 617 (Dambuster) Squadron

regards

Hi Kornilov, thanks for the input. I also have the usual NVA'a and airforce. Just couldn't place these two.

regards

Alex

Hi 922F, interesting information, so in effect you are saying the correct ribbon would be the attached?

regards

Alex

Hi Gordon, thanks for the info

regards

Alex