paul wood

I sold one several years ago (around 2004) and even then it made £950. We have a KIA Inkermann to a member of the RA, with slight correction to naming in our next auction. Paul

I think it is a custom made case. The only order that springs to mind that could fit it is a knight's badge of the Hannoverian Guelphic order (post 1837 type issued up until 1866) maybe some other members will have better ideas, certainly does not look Austrian. Paul

The one you mention was the one I had in mind. Paul

Yes it is certainly covered in the UK without all the crap that goes with the stolen valor act.

Looks fine to me, can't see any obvious corrections in the naming. The last four clasper to the Guards came up in auction about 2 years ago made £1,400 (estimate £1,000-1,200). Paul

Try this link for more information about chopmarked coins. http://www.winsociety.org/newsletter/chopmarks/chopmarks.html Paul

Spaz, What a lovely original miniature chain the regimental medal on the end just adds icing to the cake. Paul

I would agree with Eric, subject to detailed inspection under strong magnification they look absolutely fine. Paul

http://cdigital.dgb.uanl.mx/la/1020002739/1020002739.PDF This is the Anuario de las Ordenes Imperiales 1865 which list all awards of orders and decorations giving details of the recipients and also includes awards of the Santa Anna period and the awards made by Maximilian at Miramar before he went to Mexico. If you have any interest in the French intervention and the Empire of Maximilain then this is a must. Enjoy. Paul

Doesn't look very convincing to me has a smell of the Chines cottage industry fakers, eyes look awful and the paint looks very fresh. Paul

I have done a great deal of trawling but I cannot find any evidence of Yorck being in Russia in 1909, had the award been 1913 it would have fitted nicely. I think the only way of finding anything definite would be through ships logs or German or Russian papers of the period. Paul

Thanks for that. They are not known as order makers so it maybe they just adapted a case. Paul

Most interesting; are there any circumstances relating to the award such as an Imperial visit? Paul

The box is British I can make out Royal arms and London W. Could be a British made copy (as quite a few Brits received the order) but can't be sure without clearer picture of inside of the case. Paul

Just a military white eagle lacking lacking 1883 reverse and in incorrect box not much use unless you have a spare reverse. Paul

Thank you so much for the information. Paul

It is French patriotic medal commemorating Marshal Patrice MacMahon Duke of Magenta (1808-93) who received his title and rank of field marshal for the French victory there in 1859. He fought in the Franco-Prussian war and was wounded at Sedan. He was involved in the suppression of the Paris Commune and was President of France 1873-77. I suspect the medal was issued around the time of the Franco-Prussian war. Hope this helps, Paul

Don't forget that Peru as with most of South America attracted many European settlers, adventurers and black sheep of the family during the 19th century. I have a friend in Hannover who is half-german, quarter-Chilean and a quarter cossack (the Chilean side was due to German evangelicals who fled Germany in the 19th century and found Southern Chile ideal for sheep farming). I can see no reason why an Austrian did not seek his fortune in Peru and later returned to his native land. Paul

Is this a government or a society award? when was it founded and what are the details of the award. Paul

Thanks for sharing this, a medal I have never encountered before. Paul

No serious collector should be without Gritzner, quirky but still has it's uses even now,. Paul

I suspect it is a Hanoverian maker's mark I doubt if there are any works on Hanoverian silver makers (bad enough for English provincial). Paul

I think Hanoverian, the GV cypher would be for Georg V (1851-66) this would make more sense. Paul

The medal is known in silver and bronze, from your illustration it appears to be lead or a lead alloy, if lead it is unofficial. Or is it just a bad photo and it is silver. Paul

Yes they also seemed to have been solicitors re London Gazette Paul