JBFloyd

This one is slightly smaller than most I've seen (63x65mm) and without white enameling in the center cross. Unmarked.

Perhaps the snake is just artistic license. The Volunteers (represented by the wall) keep the bad guys (represented by the snake) out of the home country (represented by the sun's rays behind the wall).

Rechecked the year code and it's "L 5". The badge doesn't appear to have been made up of parts. The shield is well-riveted to the wreath and of the same quality. I don't think the Finns would be anticipating the post-war market. I never promised this would be easy!

This is a very well-made badge, in silver and enamels (60x56mm). It certainly reminds me of badges of the Baltisches Landeswehr or 17.Armee Korps, but it carries Finnish maker's marks below the pin-catch (VI/(crown)/813H/(indistinct)/L5). What appears to be enamel damage is actually some glue residue that has since cleaned off. It doesn't show up in my Freikorps sources or my Finnish sources. Can anyone shed light on this piece?

This is a very well-made badge, in silver and enamels (60x56mm). It certainly reminds me of badges of the Baltisches Landeswehr or 17.Armee Korps, but it carries Finnish maker's marks below the pin-catch (VI/(crown)/813H/(indistinct)/L5). What appears to be enamel damage is actually some glue residue that has since cleaned off. It doesn't show up in my Freikorps sources or my Finnish sources. Can anyone shed light on this piece?

Here's part of a page from a 1928 Bailey, Banks & Biddle insignia catalog offering miniature Tiffany Crosses and Army Medals of Honor for $5 each. So, there was a time when there was an authorized miniature for the Medal of Honor, but that seems to have died out with WWII. None are authorized now.

Actually, the miniature is more likely to be a miniature badge of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group of Civil War veterans, but a neat miniature group. Probably to a Swede who came to the US, served in the Army during the Civil War and went home.

That certainly could explain it. The fine detail of the centers is not great, but the whole thing is not cheaply made.

Also, check the county court house where he lived after being discharged. They may have his discharge on file.

And the reverse.

Identified as a badge of a Danish Masonic lodge called "The Chain". Any additional information greatly appreciated.

I'm sure that 3000 Euros would be great, but I also suspect that the collector bought it for $10-20 in a flea market when he was posted to Copenhagen. Maybe Thies would pay 1500 to resell it (I have two versions available)! Thanks for the information.

This sounds like a job for some aggressive young Congressional staffer (Imagine a headline saying "Congressman X gets Purple Heart awarded 90 years late!") It appears that he was considered by the Army to have been wounded (the wound accolade) and the VA accepted some proof to approve his grave marker's inscription. Those two facts should trump NPRC's or VA's inability to find records now. I'd bundle up copies of the accolade and photos of the grave, (plus copies of letters home mentioing the wound, or VA paperwork relating to medical care as a result of the wound, or whatever else you have) and documentation that you've tried to work through channels and send it all to your Congressman. He's got staffers whose jobs include doing that sort of constituent service. Or, see if your county has a Veterans Services Officer. These guys are usually retired military themselves and know people in the VA and NPRC system because they're always trying to find lost medical/service records for vets. After 10 years, there's no reason to go easy. Step up the effort and get real people involved on your side.

The Medal of Honor is only worn in full size (all services).

And the reverse.

In a worldwide collection, I've uncovered this odd St. George Cross. It's slightly larger than normal (37mm) and almost flat (very slight taper to the arm ends). The loop is perpendicular to the cross face and is elongated. The medallions are separate pieces. Obviously, it's not numbered. Is this an old copy? New copy? Privately-made variant? Any thoughts appreciated.

Now I've discovered a piece similar to the one above, but with a "P" in the obverse center. The reverse center is engraved "SWB" and the arms "(crown)/F/R/O".

And the reverse. Engraved "OFR" in the center and "AE/E/KE/I" on the cardinal points (starting at the top).

A new inquiry subject. This piece looks to be Masonic in origin, but... Any info would be appreciated.

Stevnsborg's book shows two examples of tinsel stars with the recipient's name written on the reverse. Was that standard practice?

Mike, Excellent! Many thanks for the info.

Many thanks for that. Most helpful.

This is the inscription I cannot read. Any help would be appreciated.

A Dannebrog breast star in tinsel, but my question is about the inscription on the back (next image).

Daniel, Many thanks for that information. It certainly ties together the bits of information I had. Now I just have to learn Danish and start some additional research. Tak.