TacHel

Great pics as always... When you hit between 500 and 1000 pics, make a book! It'll sell!

Sweet! Very nice! :beer:

Actually, that is incorrect, this piece is post October 1946 (4th or 5th Republic). An earlier (3rd Rep.) piece would've had the year 1870 after "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" on the front. Both 4th and 5th Republic models are exactly alike. A maker's mark "might" narrow it down a bit more, but just maybe... Definitely a modern (post 1946 piece).

That really clears it up. Thank you! :cheers:

The sashes being worn by the vets... I know it isn't that evident to make a call from a B&W picture but... Are they Red White and Black akin a 1939 EK2/RK ribbon?

Merci! :beer:

The name changes with the ribbon used... But do the "D?coration Militaire" for exceptional service or courage with the ribbon with the wide center red stripe and the "D?coration Militaire" for service (pic below) use the exact same insignia?

I have just noticed (after seeing other such medals) that the bar on the one in my collection is a tad... "Small"... Is this acceptable or did the previous owner simply slap a bar for a mini on it?

Because of the construction of the plate and pin? I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment on that part. I can possibly see the 1870/71 medal not being original to the set and being replaced by a Frontkampfer but that other ribbon being the WW1 Hungarian medal? THAT I simply cannot agree to... If it is in fact from the 30s, then I think the other ribbon is still from Hessen as previously thought. IMHO...

It's a very nice Belgium WW1 War Cross with palm. I have a nice War Cross like that but the palm is missing... Any idea where I might find one?

These guys would've HATED going through airport metal detectors... Oh, for the simpler days of yore...

Can you imagine the wealth, the absolute treasure of historical knowledge we lost in the passing of this gentleman. I hope he was interviewed adequately over his long years so that it isn't completely lost...

Ralph, thanks again for the info on FS Mercier's career and award. I put together this frame for the family and included the info on the side plaques. His children asked me to thank you guys once again for the info.

And if you count them... It is but a mere fraction of the number of ODMs our main character has...

I doubt any uniform fabric could've handled all of his awards at the same time. We've seen many members of this forum purchase separate ODMs to make up Von Richthofen's set... Can you imagine trying it with this guy?

Mind you, I have seen an Honour Medal and a Red Eagle Medal mounted with such a ribbon, but only once, and IMHO, wrongly. Other similar ribbons (228, 267, 294 & 465) make very little sense and I very much doubt they are correct for this bar... Ribbon 211 for the "F?r Tapferkeit" medal from Hessen-Darmstadt (most likely Ludwig III) like VtwinVince hinted, is the most likely candidate if this isn't a poorly manufactured Prussian ribbon. Are we going to see a pic of the reverse?

Like somebody before me said, small but focused on quality and brilliantly displayed. And as I see it once again... Not so small after all! Thanks for sharing, great items.

Red stripes are a bit narrow for a Red Eagle Order or Medal... Or even an Honor Medal... Hmmmm...

Speedy, Vielen Dank! Thanks for the info! :beer:

Once again... Awesome pics. Where on Earth do you find these??

Doesn't this item scream "G?de" to you guys?

The webmaster is Marc Champenois. He's very pleasant to chat with and incredibly knowledgeable on French awards from all periods. He's a vet from the French service presently living in the South seas... (Lucky B... ) Any data/pics you might have that would benefit his site he will openly and thankfully accept and even list you as a benefactor. Don't hesitate to contact him, like I said, he's a pleasure to deal with.

I was quite surprised to see that badge myself. And you're correct, it looked better (more original) than many WW2 ones I've seen.

Oh man! A gorgeous GV DSO! It's my all time fav British award! Congrats on this awesome addition to your collection! :jumping:

INCREDIBLE DETAILING! ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING WORK! :jumping: