censlenov

I did think about the swords but the hilt is pretty narrow however they are more of a gold colour then shown in the picture. The dirt and grim and tarnish on it sure do make it seem like its period. Could it be a jewelers copy?

I was wondering what everyone thinks as to its authenticity. I'm going to be selling off my entire collection of militaria short of my CEF medals to finance the publishing of a new book and want to be sure its 100%. Now the one thing i will say is that if you look at the reverse crown the beads are indented not protruding???? never seen that before. I will get some better pics done of the order as these don't do it any justice and i'm embarassed to post these. I don't see any markings on it. Cheers Chris

Thats the spirit Ed lets get into this use our imaginations as it were. The more i get into soviet stuff the more i realize that it seems like the combinations are endless. Cheers Chris

Throw on a ORB, MMM and a few of the ww2 campaign medals.

Very nice find!!!!

It's a souvenir golden jubilee medal for the queens 50th year of reign hence the date of june 21st. Not the official medal so most likely a souvenir piece. Cheers Chris

Very nice scroll. I know there's tons of these floating around which have been "reproduced" unfortunately i don't know how to spot originals from fakes. Anybody?? Cheers Chris

Thanks for the info guys. Since making this first post i had been trying to find an example of a ww1 cross to compare to and havn't been able to find one. Fingers crossed this one is numbered to confirm it's his. I know there's a book out there with the numbers/recipients indexed but can't remember who published it. Cheers Chris

Does anyone have an example of a named WW1 DSC am i correct that the majority would have been issued unnamed (but numbered on the edge) and that if one were to find a named example to a non KIA it was most likely done privately after the war?? I have one comming to Canada from England and bought it off a text listing going by description alone along with his victory medal. I'm hoping its good and a good sign is the bars on the vic coincide with what his unit was entitled so Fingers crossed. Unfortunately the dealer didn't list any number on the edge but that doesn't mean there isn't one there. I can't wait till its in my hands to confirm. Citation Carl H. Ehlers, corporal, Company K, 364th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Eclisfontaine, France, September 28, 1918. Responding to a call for volunteers, Corpl. Ehlers, with five others, advanced 400 yards beyond their front to bring in wounded comrades. They succeeded in rescuing seven of their men, also in bringing in the dead body of a lieutenant, while exposed to terrific machine-gun fire. Residence at enlistment: 231 Eye Street, Sacramento, Calif. Bars on the vic ypres-Lys St.Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Defensive Sector Apparently the naming reads: Cpl. C. H. Ehlers 364th Inf. Which leads me to believe its privately named. Any thoughts? Any idea as to value? Cheers Chris

I've got quite the jiffy bag in the mail winging its way to me right now also that'll i'll have to post here. How much does one of these book out at? Cheers Chris

Hi Kevin It looks fine to me Africa Star, Defense medal, 39-45 War medal with Proper MID Emblem, and Auxilary Airforce LS&GC medal. Were you just worried about the absence of the 39-45 star? Cheers Chris

What about Mountain Artillery Transport Corps???? Sounds like a possiblity but i still want to see the naming before i say anything for certain. I checked DNW's archives and couldn't find mention of this abbreviation.

I'm not liking the sounds of it either can you please get some pictures of it posted. Especially of the naming. Cheers Chris

Wow!!! you don't happen to have the citations do you? Must have been quite the "Crazy Ivan" to earn himself that impressive rack. Can you post a pic of the reverse?? Very nice....... Wow Chris

Thanks so much Marc for your opinion they looked really well to my eyes as well and i've tried over the past month to read up on Soviet odm to begin my education. I've just sent out an email to a researcher who may be able to help so fingers crossed. I just spoke with the dealer and placed a second order this time for some other high bracket items at bargain basement prices. I purchased a silver star and good conduct medal named to the same guy (ww2 era), and order of red eagle 4th class with swords for less then $300cdn!!!!! I love this guy!!!!! oh and a soviet bravery medal in the 500000 range. Cheers Chris

Thanks Rick What's your thoughts on authenticity. Was the price to good to be true IYHO. This dealer apparently splits some groups if they aren't mounted together so i have to try and get research fingers crossed some of these may belong to the same individual. Cheers Chris

Pics still not great the george cross looks like crap in the pics but is very nice in person the obverse pic makes it look as though it has pitting which it doesn't. Please comment on your thought for authenticity and Rick i'd greatly appreciate your thoughts on serial number dates. Cheers Chris

Well my order arrived and i must say i'm pleased as i think everything looks good execpt perhaps the 1901 boxer rebellion medal. My pics suck so i'll get some better ones done up They are orb 323474 og3 243130 other one is erased mmm 887507 ors 2014888 valour medal 613694, 768285 cross of st.George 4th class 564042 russian medal for boxer campaign looks like it may be plated bronze???

I think this medal is an example of if it ain't broken don't fix it.... Not that the wounded and killed shouldn't be honoured, but the killed service members are currently commemorated with a memorial cross for the next of kin, and i prefer the idea of wound stripes to medals any day. Are they now going to phase out the memorial cross???? Just my way of thinking Chris

I'm trying to confirm if a Silver Star was awarded to a Robert A Lalane. I don't have anything else to go on right now as it only comes with a Good conduct medal named to the same and no campaign medals. I'm waiting for pics of the suspension as that would most likely date it (era wise). I googled the name and found a Robert A Lalane Jr. still living in the USA so i was thinking about calling him on the odd chance he may know this other man (Father??). Anyone else got any advice? Cheers Chris

Ed If you want to really make my day i'd love to see a ww1 MM group to an Indian regiment. Great stuff I especially like the trio and durbar medal to the Chief you have. Cheers Chris

Can anyone give me a valuation for a 2nd type 4th class Order of Red Eagle with Swords? Cheers Chris

A reproduction should be marked accordingly if it is not then someone will be duped in the future and that is true in all fields of collecting. If one were to sell you a bunch of ribbon insigna supposedly of wartime manufacture, but once received you discover they are infact post war copies would you not be ticked off? The vendor could also say they purchased them in good faith and passed them along as such not much of a consolation is it? The fact is without these marked in a distinguishing way to prove they are reproduction then someone in the future will get stung and i'm sure you know this as you seem to be an intellegent individual. You can't put the onus on the people you sell your reprodutions to, to tell future buyers they are not authentic. A tag that can be removed is not the solution to marking your goods you'll need to stamp something into the metal bar or use a type of hanger not seen on authentic items. "The more they do the higher they are valued. There are copies of every sort - paintings, prints, handbags, you name it" Very true but if these are faked and sold on as authentic It is illegal and someone would be going to jail. This especially holds true in the world of Brand name designer knock offs. It's just my opinion Chris

I just came across this one in a dealers list. Unfortunately there is no picture to go with it. I'm thinking from description alone its a fake as i thought they always had the number on the bottom arm. The number on the bottom army wasn't engraved or impressed it was struck during manufacture correct? I have alot to learn in this area so i'm approaching everything with caution. description from catalogue: CROSS OF ST. GEORGE. No class or number on cross in gilt. P.S. this link is great for ribbon identification Ed had posted it else where on the forum but it's awesome and deserves another mention http://www.medals.lava.pl/ru/ru1.htm