Tim B

and the reverse:

I recently picked this up off the estand over at WAF and wanted to ask for some opinions on it. The seller had posted the badge before listing it, but no one commented on the piece. Now, with over 50 looks, still no comments either way.

I tried to compare this one to PICS I have on file and I think it comes close to the Juncker and S&L versions based on die characteristics, but I notice the eagle's neck appears wider and the claws are different. I have only seen one of these before and that was sometime back.

Understanding that there are various examples and minor differences within makers, does anybody have thoughts one way or another on this piece? Personally, I like it and feel it's okay but would like to hear from others.

Thanks in advance.

Tim

Here's the front:

Tim,

I sent you an email, the pin is ok. You see various qualities with these badges.

This one is the Meritorious Member's Badge. There are five different badges using this basic design, all is revelaed in my wonderful book (shameless advertising plug).

Cheers,

Paul

Paul,

Thanks! I was told last night there were three grades and this was the highest, so five different badges eh? I'll have to get your book as there is too much to learn just starting out. Will PM you later this evening.

Ed,

You're right really, the raven is just a variety of crow; same family.

Rick,

Three legs--two for landing gear and one to hold the bomb!

Tim

It does come in a nice black lacquer case!!

Yes, clearly something that would be passed down for future collectors.

Tim

Paul,

They are an old .50 piece that ran from 1917-1947 (dates are close I think). Anyway, they have Lady Liberty in a flowing dress walking on the front and a large eagle standing on the ground on the reverse. Solid silver coin which is pretty impressive whether it's in mint condition or full of patina and dirt! At least I think they are.

Tim

I don't have any photographed, but here's a link to the US Mint and the American Eagle has the same front.

https://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs/store...catalogId=10001

Just another angle on the hinge area. Does it look correct??

Tim

Here's the reverse and you can see the pin is very shiney and nothing like what I expected for this period.

Tim

I just picked one of these up and had some questions. How many levels or grades of this badge were there and what were the differences?

The badge is great and has a great design. One thing that I am a bit concerned with is the main pin. This one appears to be made from a highly polished sheet brass material and at first wondered if it might have been replaced, but I just don't know.

Does anybody have one they can post and compare for me? Thanks in advance!

Tim

Well, we have one more year for the series to complete. The wife and I both collected these just to have the series set; I only wanted the quarters, she took the silver coin sets for each year, so hopefully the silver ones will be more valuable down the road.

I agree, the designs on most of these are pretty weak. I like the old coins that seem to have had better designers. The walking liberty was very beautiful and I was happy to see the American eagle dollar pick up at least the front of the design. I think the old majesty in design is gone for a more art-deco look these days--what a shame IMO.

Tim

Hi Erik!

Actually another member at WAF (Andrew) posted an example in 7th class of what I think is a Showa piece based on the mirror. His is in a Meiji era case.

Note: I'll post the PIC here for continuity but remove it if Andrew wants it down.

At least I know now that the medal style did change for all levels when comparing Showa/Meiji pieces.

Tim

Thanks guys! I was wondering IF it might just be toning or if it was one of these "others" that I read about somewhere.

Really didn't need a second one, but the toning looks great and it comes with the case and paper wrapper. The first one was just cased. Live and learn, but I'll be happy with it if the toning is really that great looking.

Thanks again!

Tim

Hi Ed!

Well, I am very new to collecting Japanese awards, but what I have learned quick was the die characteristics of Meiji vs Showa pieces. As Paul pointed out, many dealers are still unaware of these differences and I see this even with Japanese dealers (they are almost embarassed if you point something out to them) currently.

As far as your group goes, hard to say when and where the Kite might have been replaced. As Paul stated, they are not common to find and perhaps the Meiji one is even harder?? At least you got one in decent shape!!

Tim

Reverse:

Beautiful design!!

Another resurrected thread from the past.

This is a Sacchini-Milano piece. I also have one from S. Johnson. I noticed the Johnson pieces seem to be more reddish bronze in color than the other makers and have noted a variety of ribbon styles that are always close but not the same.

Tim

...and the reverse.

It's an old thread and hope you don't mnd me resurrecting it instead of starting a new thread. It would be nice to have a separate thread just for WW1 Victory Medals of all countries though.

Tim

Reverse

Just stubling across this thread and thought I would post mine. Just a plain ribbon buckle for what appears to be a non-combatant award.

Tim

...and another with five battle clasps for the 1st Division: Enjoy!

Tim

One with five battle clasps for the 28th Division:

One with Three battle clasps:

Thought I would post a few of mine to show them off--they are such a beautiful design as are the other countries that produced them.

Tim

Here's one with the France bar as discussed:

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the reference. Wish I could find what I was looking for as they were a bit more specific. Really hate it when you're looking for something and can't find it again.

I do have another one coming that appears to have gilt applied to it, so that will be interesting.

Tim

Hi Erik!

Yes, I have seen this on Meiji style awards and discussing this issue with one of the Japanese dealers, he states the earlier ones were in fact engraved by hand. I see this trait on my awards as well. However, I guess what I am asking here is: Is there a noticable difference in the "mirror" between the Meiji and Showa Sacred Treasures at the 7th and 8th grade awards?? I have seen many for sale, but never one with the more rounded mirror at these two levels.

Thank you for responding!!

Tim