paul wood

Many Egyptian medals awarded during the Kingdom had the old Ottoman style designs. Fuad was Khedive from 1917-22 before become King and was a direct descendent of the House of Mohammed Ali which had ruled as Khedives (or Walis) from 1813. Hence I suppose the imagery demonstrated continuity of the the dynasty. Paul

The badges were issued virtually unchanged during the entire period between 1917-52. There were several maker's and early on these would have been also been used in Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. I have seen French made examples, examples by Lattes and also Bichai and I suspect some, like yours may well have been made by local jewellers. I think yours is 100% Halal. Paul

Considering his faith forbids alcohol why was he in a place named after Greene Kings famous Abbott ale, still it could be worse he could have been holed up in Fort Sandeman. Paul

A thousand million is a milliard (as the German banknotes of the 1923-24 period state). A billion is a million a million million. America calls it a thousand million so that they can boast of having a few billionaires. Paul

Chris, I think the answer lies either in his service details. As you are aware in many cases the recipient received a riband immediately on the award , which he wore on his tunic, a long time before he received his medal. If he were to be missing, wounded, or P.O.W. it is possible he never received his gold medal due to this and was given the bravery medal at the end of the war when repatriated or recovered. Or the other possibility is that the during the severe hyperinflation of 1923-24 when by the end 5 billion (that is 5 million million) marks were worth 1 US dollar. He may have been forced to pawn/sell his gold medal in order not to starve. That's my 2 pfennigs worth. All the best, Paul

Owain, I am glad you got the Iraqi physician group. I noticed on the web but by which time it had just been sold. Very nice. Paul

Brian, You are correct, with the full-sized they could not be worn on uniform. These were worn by a civilian who unless they went to a Palace reception could wear what they liked. With miniature groups in general many weird and wonderful awards are frequently tagged onto groups. Paul

Long time no hear. Hope you and your family are well. Nice lot of stuff there. The old late 19th/early 20th century photo intrigues me any information about it. Paul

Hugh, I suspect that the group was originally mounted pre WW2 and when he or she received the Defence Medal just decided to have the bar extended with it bunged on the end although you are technically correct the Defence medal should precede the Red Cross medal. Paul

Volunteer Aid Detachment. These were civilian medical volunteers such as nurses ambulance drivers, doctors etc. Paul

Very nice, Likely to be V.A.D. during the great war. All the best, Paul

Thanks for that I wondered why it was difficult to find much information about it this clears it up a bit. Paul

Based on a recent Lanz of Munich catalogue there appear to be at least two varieties of the badge, one in silver and enamel by G. A. Schied, Hollo Utcza 6, Budapest, hallmarked with GAS monogram on suspension ring and another in bronze-gilt and enamel which is unmarked. Hope this is of some help Paul

I agree. The only place I can find it listed is in Prochazka Osterrreichisches Ordenhandbuch, Munchen 1974 no 1130. It describes the badge but unfortunately gives no details of the issue entitlement. Paul

First is the Hungarian War Decoration 1914, quite scarce value about 70 Euros. Paul

Well identified it is indeed the Kunar Province rebellion of 1945-6, the rebellion by Safi Pashtuns in the province. May were exiled after the defeat of the rebellion. Paul

No French official Crimeas produced. They were awarded British medals I have seen French copies of the Baltic and British Crimea medal usually on slightly thinner flans. Paul

Chris thanks, 660 Indian bearer corps. Makes my pair look more of a bargain than I thought, number of intact pairs must be relatively small. Paul

A well made piece and I suspect the spelling mistake is deliberate. I suspect the answer lies in the BF by the turret at the top. Possibly a satirical award in the nature of Bouffon Francais All the best, Paul

They are either excavated pieces or disgusting fakes. Paul

It's the medal for the 25th Anniversary of Parish Schools, instituted 29 May 1909 and given to those working in Church education on 1 June 1909 or former workers who had served no less than 10 years. Medal was struck by several private firms and therefore there are minor die varieties. Approximately 100,000 issued. Worn from St. Andrew Ribbon. Paul

All correct The Queen Victoria Jubilee 1897, EVII and GV is ok and was on his short set of miniatures, a royal is entitled to coronation and Jubilees from birth is only hope his full sized didn't slip down his nappy as it would have some interesting toning. The Vladimir is OK he was awarded it for the Battle of Jutland in which he participated aboard H.M.S. Collingwood. I should think Jutland didn't help his stammer. Paul

Gavin as a long time member of SA gongs it is well worth joining. Although we are few there is a very large amount combined knowledge and there is an Afghan section. but beware madness lies along this road. All the best, Paul