Tim B

Well, not the first time that a site didn't get everything correct, but overall, I think a beginning collector can glean a lot of good information from here. At least some good photos and general info for sure! Tim

Like Gordon said, almost impossible to upgrade on this one--a real beauty! Tim

Ahhh, no surprise there uh? Quality always sells! Thanks again! Tim

Hi Hendrik! Thanks for always being there to answer the questions! Sometimes, I feel I am the only one asking and have to wonder if I am so far behind the curve where my questions are so "novice" or are there others out there also benefiting from these posts and have the same questions for themselves? Anyway, your answers make total sense; I forget the awards are not only for specific achievements, but also long service type awards and they awarded different medals depending on the actual amount of time in service and promotions along the way. So, in your opinion, would there really be much difference in rarity or collectibility of these type awards when looking at say a piece that is unilingual, with plain crossed swords or one with a bilingual center and the same swords set-up? Tim

Let's regress for a minute and I knew I should have asked this question before moving on to the Crown Order. On the plain crossed swords attachment; I'll use the Leopold Orders for example here. If the plain crossed swords were representative of WW1 only and the bilingual versions of the medals occured after 1951, why are there so many versions available that have these style swords on the bilingual versions? - Are they replacement medals for recipients that needed a replacement and the design available had changed to the modern version? In other words, the old style medals were no longer available for purchase. - Made up pieces to order, similar to the Leopold II's with the swords incorporated into the medal design, or just made up to embellish an item for sale? Same questions could apply to the WWII orders; On those awards with the 40-45 version of the swords, then the medal should only be a unilingual version. I supposed the Korea ones might be both, but the bilingual ones would seem to be more prevalent. Questions, questions, questions... Tim

Hi Bison! Yes, I found a couple of sites the other day when I was clearing out all the old "favorite" links. Really posted it for the newbies (like me ) that would be just starting out and not really knowing where to go or have to ask every little mundane question here. This way, you have to kind of do your own leg work, at least to some extent. Here's another site, in English and he also covers Belgian and English awards. http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/foreigngu...rance_index.htm Tim

Thought I would post a link to a rather detailed informational site (in French only) for those collectors seeking additional information on the different French awards. http://www.france-phaleristique.com/ Shows history, variations for the different eras, and photos of the awards. In some cases, even shows when the award was given out. The section on Fourrageres was pretty interesting; discusses what units received the award, type of fourragere, and when. May be old news for some, but I think many will find it interesting to some point. Especially nice if you can read French (I can't) . Enjoy! Tim I meant to add; it also gives detailed information on the specifications of the award, size dimensions, weight, etc.

Here's a question for those that have this medal in their collections. Looking at the crimp where the star attaches to the wreath, is it normal for the crimp to show from the front? I have seen examples with this seam on the front and back. Just seems like it would have been on the reverse side out of site. Tim

Swords are silver, just aged toned with a slight gold tint. Enjoy Tim

Not sure if that jeweler is still in business, but it might more accurately date the piece. I was never really keen on this medal when comparing the Leopold I/II for design looks, but in hand, its really quite nice and..heavy! Tim

Well, no sense in starting a new thread, so... Here's a cased Order of the Crown with swords, again, assuming it's WW1 because of the sword style. Tim

Thank you my friend! You have been more than just help here, really appreciate the time and answers. So...if the medal I have is all original period and not put together, I have a rather nice looking WWI order. I'll put up a cased Crown Order next...more fun! Cheers, Tim

Okay, can we revisit the swords issue? If the swords denoted a "war" veteran and not just someone in the military that was awarded one of these, and if the PIC below shows the difference in sword styles for WWII and Korea, then is the plain crossed swords only for WWI? IF not, ??? Tim

Hi Hendrik! Thanks, I really like this one as well. Okay, then what is the difference here between the crown styles, just manufacturers? Tim Crown on the left has the holes open; the one on the right, the holes are completely filled in :

Just a quick update note; the medal is actually nicer in hand than the PICS allude to! Tim

Crown has the holes in the base. Correct me if wrong, but the WWII pieces didn't have the open holes (filled in or solid instead)? Tim

Here's another recent pick up. I think I did good with this one. Tim Order of Leopold II Officer w/swords; I believe a WW1 veteran based on the swords, French only script, and type of crown?

Hi guys! Thanks for the confirmation. I had that crown PIC as well Scott; think Jacques posted it many years ago on another forum. I really can't argue for $16. but the quality isn't what it used to be and the pebbled back made me question it as perhaps a later issue piece. I'll know more once I have it in hand. Tim :cheers:

Perhaps not the best place to add this one, but will add to the others. Tim

Here's a red merit cross that I had and you can see the quality is much better. Tim

A close-up of the cross enameling. Compare this is the red one that follows. Note the crown is very similar in style and the way it connects to the cross. Tim

Here's a new item for me and I have some questions for the more knowledgeable on Spanish awards. - Understand the "white" cross is normally for peacetime award but, was it also awarded for non-combat service during wartime? - Looking at the crown style, I assume this is a Franco era piece? When did the Franco era design change? - The red stripes on the cross arms denote that a stipend was authorized to the person, so I assume either a retirement or service-related disability type award for Spanish members and not foreign personnel (I/E: Legion Condor). - The enamel quality is not as refined as some other pieces I have seen that were manufactured for the Spanish Civil War era. Is this then a later "Franco" era manufactured piece? - Normally I have seen plain smooth reverse sides. Has anybody seen one of these with this pebble-style reverse? Many thanks for any information/assistance. Tim

As I already owe you a few beers for that ribbon... :beer:

Same here and no, I agree that it would not have been a nice place to be at back then. One day I hope to visit the area and be able to actually see the lands so many died for. Tim

Looks nice James...Ah, I certainly hope it's not your grave marker!? Tim