IrishGunner

Agreed. Nice score!

Good catch Jeff; I hadn't considered the eligibility periods for NDSM. Your theory is indeed plausible - in fact, the only six year period that would make this possible. I'm still going with fake.

I thought this was going to be another beer thread...

Lambert, interestingly, the WWI 75th Anniversary Medal was presented by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (US government cabinet-level ministry responsible for veterans' affairs) instead of the Defense Department. I believe the only such medal by the VA Department. And was only given to living WWI vets in 1993. The plan was to have the medals distributed by Veterans Day - or Armistice Day - 11 Nov, which was the 75th Anniversary of the armistice. It was commissioned and designed by the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation with the assistance of the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

Bomber Harris" was virtually forgotten or ostricised after the war because he was "Bad news", So, the cews are forgotten because of the "bad news" generated by this guy...with a 1945 KCB and a 1953 Baronet... Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris, 1st Baronet, GCB, OBE, AFC Not to mention Harris has a statue outside the RAF Chapel dedicated in 1992 with by the Queen Mother with the inscription..."The Nation owes them all an immense debt." Them "all"? Debt perhaps. But not a medal for the crews I guess. A knighthood in 1945, a baronet in 1953, and a statue in 1992 isn't too shabby for a "bad news" guy being virtually forgotten. I'd say the crews were virtually forgotten instead. Harris' Awards and decorations: Baronet - 1 January 1953 (Conferred 13 February 1953) Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Bath - 14 June 1945 (KCB - 11 June 1942, CB - 11 July 1940) Officer of the Order of the British Empire - 3 June 1927 Air Force Cross - 2 November 1918 Mentioned in Despatches - 15 September 1939, 1 January 1941 LL.D Order of Suvorov 1st Class (USSR) - 29 February 1944 Legion of Merit, Chief Commander (United States) - 30 January 1945 Polonia Restituta 1st Class (Poland) - 12 June 1945 Grand Cross of the National Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil) - 13 November 1945 Grand Officier of the Legion of Honour (France) - 1945 Croix de Guerre with Palms (France) - 1945 Distinguished Service Medal

The German Navy's SMS König was launched on 1 March 1913. German flag ship for Battle of Jutland. Still resting at the bottom of Scapa Flow. The impact of the naval arms race has been touched upon in the thread on the Balkans Wars in this forum. Any new thoughts? Here's the Wiki details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_K%C3%B6nig

in a momment of weakness I got talked into it. Blended or single malt?

How long does it take you to paint one soldier?

First of all I wouldn't spend a dime on a collectible sock nor a tuppence on any police memorabilia. Neither have value to me. But I do recognize that these items have value to those that do collect such oddities and wouldn't condescend to call either collector "stupid" for pursuing his (or her) or her passion. Personally, I find $1000 a little rich and extravagant for a single item of any sort. But that's my opinion. As for the starving. For all we know, this collector is also a generous philanthropist. We are not in a position to judge until we are willing to dispose of our own "extravagant" collections and donate the proceeds to Save the Children. It's a sock. Worthy of some satirical and humorous comment. But that's it.

Facts? Chris and facts? GHOST WRITER!!!! PS: Well done.

Okay. USA is edited. That's it...the entire forum has been re-ordered/moved/edited. Now let's keep it clean, boys!

While I agree that those qualifying for the Star are more than deserving, I'm not sure I agree with the "better late than never" sentiment. Seventy years is a very long time to wait for such recognition. The wait wasn't because of some long-past miscarriage of justice, missing evidence of heroism, or other reason, such as racism. The Government so close in time to the events didn't seem to think special recognition was necessary, so why now? What has changed? Rings a bit hollow seventy years later it seems. Seems to ring loud and clear as politically motivated, on the other hand. Guilt because Russia wanted to offer recognition to those deserving that the British Government denied? God bless those surviving that can still appreciate the belated recognition. But shame on those that have withheld it for 70 years.

I wouldn't pay 90k (dollars that is ... the real international currency standard and not a measure of weight)...but I understand the appeal and it's certainly not stupid. I'm in complete agreement with Claudius, it's not any sillier than let's say...anything we collect. Or tickets to the last World Cup.

I've visited the little fellow in Brussels and have many photos of him in various military uniforms. But I've never seen this ashtray.

You pass.

So cross your fingers......I hope you live in California! I've got plenty of frequent flyer miles! And time off saved! Now, what do I tell the wife?

I don't know if there is a cap badge thread for all badges. I started the Royal Artillery badge thread some time ago... maybe a Moderator can move this thread into that RA badge thread...

A few of mine are in this old thread: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/48316-royal-artillery-badges/?hl=%2Broyal+%2Bartillery

This is the response I received from a member of The British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum: "there is no difference between the crowns whatsoever and the features you mention are just variations in die patterns/makers variations! Some of the earlier RA badges (c.WW1) can be found with hairpin sliders and strengthening to the rear of the crown, however these could have been worn for many, many years afterwards? The other "WW1" era RA badges would be the "Economy" variations (see here for an example) which can be found with several patterns of non-voiding! They are deffo WW1, but again could have been worn for several years!" Proving once again the adage about "assumptions".

Drum roll, please. Only one more country specific thread to review and edit if necessary. The United States of America at 21 pages! Again, as you go back through the country threads yourselves, please, note any duplications or other edits that might make the threads more readable/useful.

That makes sense... I didn't think about it being fur.

Very nice bar. I'd be ecstatic to own it. Nicely played.