paul wood

Very odd, he is wearing his medals on Austrian style ribands. First appears to be the Order of the Lion of Zahringen,second appears to be the Turkish Order of the Medjidie and the last is the Academic palms (either French or Belgian). Why do you think he is Dutch? Paul nforum.nl/viewtopic.php?p=630#630 I hope some gentleman's can help us

Many thanks Andy that clears a few points up. All the best, Paul

The Medal is a commemorative piece, by Peter Baldenbach (1762-1802), to commemorate the Battle of Stockach, 25 March 1799, when the Archduke Carl defeated the French and caused them to retreat across the Rhine. It is listed in the Count Montenuovo Collection, Frankfurt am Main, 1895, no. 2321. It is probably worth around ?300 All the best, Paul

Yes their were specific medals for the Carribbean French Colonies, There was a medal issued by the Ministry of Navy and Colonies for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Napoleon III issue, for the Colony of Martinique. The example I handled was from the ANS, complete with original riband. (See ANS part III, lot 434). Paul

There were 4 in the American Numismatic Society collection, Friedrich Wilhem III; Wilhelm I; Friedrich III and a named piece with a portrait medal of Freidrich der Grosse and dated 1851. They all made ?50 each (almost $100). I suspect the were awarded annually for regimental shooting competitons within the Prussian Army. Paul

Dear Alex, The main reason that there has been a price increase in Czech insignia in general is that there a good number of collectors now in the Czech Republic with a fair ammount of disposable income. This particular order is also a most attractive and well made piece of insignia. (The market in Czech coins, Bohemian glass and metal work has also shown an extremely healthy growth). Until the late 90's It was an almost entirely western market and prices reflected this, similar trends are also occurring in the other former Soviet bloc countries, one only has to see how Bulgarian and other Eastern European OMD have risen in price of late. All the best, Paul

Gilbert, Unless you can physically examine the medal I would advise extreme caution, unless it is one of the reputable specailist auctioneers or dealers. Many Waterloo medals around are renamed (albeit relatively contempary with the issue) for two main reasons. The recipient was a thirsty man and pawned the medal and then bought another one later or as it was guaranteed a free drink if an elderly gent walked in wearing a Waterloo medal, so some were altered for the purpose. Also not so much a problem as I am concerened, sometimes the spelling name of the recipient on the rim was incorrect and was corrected by the recipient (In that case you have to rememeber that they didn't just have their medals for the benefit of future collectors). If you are able to view a local sale always take Spink's British Battles and Medals with you which gives clear illustrations of the correct naming style. All the best Paul

Dear Gilbert, The 42nd Highland Regiment were certainly in the thick of it with 3 officers killed and 21 wounded and 47 other ranks killed and 266 wounded (337 casualties out of a strenght of 526). The first Battalion formed part of 9 British Brigade commanded by Major General Pack which was part of Reserve 5 Division. Certainly a most desireable medal and certainly worth a premium over some regiments which saw relatively small action at Waterloo. Hope this helps Paul

Does any one know when Hugenin started manufactuing Serbian/Jugoslavian Orders? Presumably post unified Jugoslavian state. Paul

Same ribbon as on the Army Gold Cross, Gold Medal, MGS, Hanoverian Waterloo and Burma Medal 1826, crimson edged with dark blue. Paul

Certainly the earlier ones were gold I have tested them from specimens where the glazing has been broken. Paul

Oops pressed wrong button. From those I have encountered where the glazing has got broken they are definitely gold, whether this continued after WWII I don't know as to carat, 9 carat generally although some of the earlier 19th century ones may be higher. Paul (PS Delete the next post)

Basically its gold value I am afraid, masonic material, unless it is very early, i.e. 18th century or if the recipient is famous in his own right (or if they are with a group of unnamed campaign medals thus giving provenance) is not widely collected. I would guess around ?150 All the best, Paul

I have seen this Masonic Testimonial Medal on several occasions. It was a masonic Meritorious Service award generally given to those who had served their lodge with distinction over many years. The medal within the glazed case is gold (certainly up to WWII and from its institution in the 19th century). It is certainly one of the more attractive masonic pieces. I suspect that that the medal is 9 carat , lthough in some of the 19th century pieced I have encountered the gold may be of a higher purity. Hope this is of help, Paul

If you wish to see a veritable array of Serbian pieces see ANS part 1 Morton and Eden 24-25/5/06. Which is available on mortonandeden.com and follow archived sales link. Included were a breast star of Milosh and a neck badge, various insignia of Takovo amongst others. Paul

I am absolutely certain that is a genuine medal and absolutely of the period, the style also suggests that it was made probably by a local jeweller or silversmith rather than by a well known engraver of the period or at one of the major mints extant at the time. Paul

I tend to agree with you, what appears to be upper weakness on the intital images now appears as a die fault anot uncommon occurence in the latter part of the 17th century. All the best, Paul