jshorter

If you look at the suspension ring this could suggest that this was once a bronze example, but noone can probably tell for sure. I'm just wondering why you would go for this example when a perfect one in either bronze or silver can be had for a modest price?

That was my guess too (bronze). The reason I purchased it is I try to collect examples of all medals made in every material they were manufactured.

Thank you,

Jason

Hi everyone!

I just acquired the attached Honor Decoration of the Red Cross, and I'm having a difficult time determining if it is the Silver or Bronze Medal. According to Borna Barac's book (Reference Catalogue Orders, Medals and Decorations of the World, Part I, page 75), there is a Silver Medal made of Kriegsmetall that is silver plated, as well as Bronze Medal that is Kriegsmetall that is silver plated. How can you tell the difference, or am I missing something here?

Thanks!!!

Jason

Mine just arrived! I was able to gently remove the adhesive from the back and after looking at it under the scope, I was able to find 3 maker marks.

The first one is on the suspension ring and is an "A", which should be for Vienna. The second marks are actually on the eyelet, and are a "2" and an "A" within a trapezoid shaped box with a figure of something in the middle. The third set of marks are "V. M (indecipherable)", so I assume this medal was manufactured by V. MAYER’S SÖHNE in Vienna.

Jason

Nice!!!! I like the mini!

Would also love to see examples that you all might have in your collections...

Hi Everyone,

Just picked this one up. It hasn't arrived yet, and it looks like it will take a little bit of care to clean off the glue residue on the reverse. I have found it to be a beautiful award, and I was wondering if anyone can tell me more about it (possible maker, year manufactured, etc.)?

Thanks!

Jason

I was able to find this based on the official name given:

Award Document

Jason

Thank you! So I would assume this is a fairly common medal now?

Best regards,

Jason

Hi everyone!

I picked this one up a few days ago (sorry for the scan, as I haven't received the medal yet). I'm having a hard time finding much information about it, or even its official name, etc. Can anyone provide me with something to go on?

Thanks!

Jason

Herman,

That's good to know!!

Thank you,

Jason

Here is my first Dutch medal bar set. Nothing spectacular, but these were the first Dutch medals I ever purchased and this bar had "character" that I liked.

Jason

Hi Jason,

This medal was instituted in 2001 and has been given by the ten thousands now. The firm producing this medal is Van Veluw from Zeist, the Netherlands. They produce a lot of Dutch medals, badges, pins etc.

They have an own website. I know that the scarser clasps are reproduced, but the medal is unconfirmed till now. An original medal is not expensive, so there is no real need to do this. The more scarses clasps are sometimes more valuable than the medal.

Van Veluw does not hallmark this medal. Hallmarking stopped around 1990 for the campaign medals.

I think the difference has something to do with the finish. Some are more shiny than others.

Perhaps van Veluw has an answer when you contact them.

Good luck,

Herman

It seems that the actual medal isn't an issue any more, so let me now focus on the clasp. I've attached a close up of the actual "SFOR" clasp. What do you all think...?

Jason

Herman,

Thank you for the excellent information! This does make me feel much better about my medal! I will have research into the medal more with Van Veluw.

Thank you!

Jason

This may or may not make a difference to your thoughts, but mine medal does have the "SFOR" clasp on the ribbon, and that was confirmed as original...

Jason

Chris,

Thanks again for the info. When I first received mine, I thought it was really nicely made and not at all "ugly". I guess I will list it in my collection as an "unofficial copy" then. That's the one thing I hate about not having mint marks on a medal, or at least a known official manufacturer to compare to.

Jason

Chris,

Thank you! I was wondering about that. Mine is too well made to be a "fake", but my thoughts were that it might be a Veteran's copy or replacement for a lost medal. I'm still not happy that it's not an original though! If it were you, would you bring it up with the seller?

Thank you,

Jason

Hi everyone!

I've just started collecting Dutch awards and have acquired a Commemorative Stabilization Force 2001 (SFOR) Medal. After showing it to another collector/dealer, I was informed that it was a copy! The person selling it said it was an original. I have included a photo of was I was told was an original along side mine. I can see some variations in them, but mine is very well made and not cast (stamped). Can anyone shed any light on this or throw their opinions in? If it is a copy, I am going to let the seller know, but I would like to know as much as I can first...

Thank you all in advance!

Kindest regards,

Jason

Hi everyone,

Just picked this one up from Rich. I'm not sure the Class though on this one. Any thoughts?

Jason

Megan,

Thank you! I have ordered Antti's book and it is actually supposed to be delivered today!

Jason

Uwe,

Thanks a bunch!

Jason

Hi Jason,

I think, that it is a normal Knight Cross with a ribbon for women.

Why should they change the name for a woman?

Uwe

Uwe,

Since this cross is gilded, would it still a Knight, or instead an Officer? How would you know for sure without a rosette?

Jason

I could have sworn I saw an Order of the Oak Crown listed as a "Cross of Honor". Maybe not! LO!L

So, this would just be considered a Knight's cross for ladies...

Jason

Hi Jason,

Why should they change the name for a woman?

Uwe

I've see the Order of the Oak Crown (on a women's bow) listed as an "Honor Cross". I would assume the same would be for this Order.

Jason

Anyone?

From what I have been reading, and if I'm correct, this award is designated a "Cross of Honor" since it was issued to a women. Is this correct, or would it be an "Officer's" cross?

Thanks!

Jason