Tim B

Hi Rob,

Yes, I have noticed the maker's marks on the Victory Medals are raised unlike the other medals, and being so small, easily rubbed off from wear. I only have one with the cornucopia on it and that's pretty distingushable.

On the Commemorative Medal, hard to say as the mark looks different than the Bertrand image you posted but, PICs can be deceiving too. I guess the only way is to find one and get it in hand.

A new (another ) hunt!

Tim

Another one while we're asking...

It's not the Monaisse de Paris cornucopia.

Tim

Unfortunately, I don't own the piece and this is the best I can do for now. :blush:

:off topic: While we're on maker's marks...

Anyone know this one with a diamond? Strike looks incredibly sharp!

Tim

A closeup of the one on the right. Maybe a different die or an earlier strike when the die was new?

Tim

Hi John,

Impossible to tell with those PICS, but I would assume at this point it is a J&B mark.

Here's a comparison of two J&B marks on two of my Combattants Cross'; note the triangle is slightly different and one is easy to read "JB" in the center, while the other you can't tell without looping it.

Tim

The center is raised quite a bit (small cone) and the detail is pretty good compared to same era Leopold II pieces.

Tim

Here's a later manufactured Knight's Class. Even though it was made post 1952, the quality is still quite nice IMO. I seen the ribbon had shadows from the crossed swords and figured the recipient switched the ribbon around after it faded. Was going to swap it back when I noticed the front side was also faded with a near perfect shadow under the swords on the front side as well. So, left it alone.

Another interesting point is the swords only have two attaching pins and not the typical four (1/each corner).

Tim

The green tint is a coating applied to the medal rather than turning that way due to age. Makes the medal and cross look rustic. I also have several Flemish medals and crosses in my collection. Here is one.

Excellent James!

Yes, I thought the finish was that way, almost a mint look to it but, I really like the ones with the bronze highlights; so classic. Beautiful medals.

Tim

I really like these!

Tim

Next up; another cross with the Flemish ribbon! Wait for it....! :lol:

The Cross has a very light greenish surface patina, almost like a green verdigris tarnish you see on bronze (similar to that seen on statues).

Here's another Yser medal and I have seen these before with the bronze highlights quite evident. Really a sharp contrast with the bronze standing out against the backround. Do you think these might be specific to a different maker?

Tim

Last shot of this one.

Tim

Just a beautiful piece. :love:

Thought I would show off a new addition, and so very happy I was able match up to the beautiful Yser Medal I already had with the Fourragere & Mother's (Widow's) Bar. All thanks to a very special lady and Belgian ODM collector!

Tim

Decision made--it's done. I like it!

Tim

Here's an interesting observation!

I just noticed this one for sale on ebay; note this Type 1 has the same corner flare type die faults as that of the Type 2 deemed to be a restrike. So, does that mean this is also a restrike (of a Type 1)?

Tim

Most likely the attachment pin broke off the back and the Vet did not have a replacement so had it reattached with thread. Are there holes in the ribbon behind the sewn palm?

Yes, exactly. One pin remains and the other one (below where the palm is broken) is missing. I see this quite often with palms on Croix de Guerre (both French and Belgian).

Tim

Hi James,

Yes, not 100% sure, only going off Hendrik's site where he references them as cufflinks in the section on Fire Cross. I suppose some of them could be lapel devices, though I also see this style which would attach directly to the lapel.

Tim

Look nice and a low number!

Tim

Here's one on an Albert era Article 4 Decoration. This palm with the cutouts does not have the support bar across the back and as you can see, the palm broke on the right tip (reverse pin missing this end). Nice sewing job.

Tim

Reverse; Interesting with the center support bar. I assume this was probably a later modification to strenghten the palm as they were pretty flimsy with the cutout material and prone to breaking as evidenced below (next post).

Tim

Here's a nice silver version (Albert A) with cutouts. :love:

Reverse:

Thought I would continue with some closeups of a couple of palms to show varieties and construction. Hope others will post some of their examples as well!

Tim

Here's a Gilt palm (with Albert A) with no cutouts.

Guy,

Thanks for the additional link/information!

I'm trying to limit my collecting to the military side of the house with a few exceptions. As such, I do not have a real need for the case posted above. Does anybody need it for one of their medals? PM or email me and we can work something out if interested. The case is in pretty good shape, it does have a slight warp to it, but it's not bad. Need to see more PICS, let me know.

Tim