RobW

Hello Geof, Don't be too despondent. It is still a nice repro. As has been highlighted on the particular sub-thread the Siam and Brazil vics are probably the most difficult of the official strikes to obtain; in good condition. There are some of the repro's that are very hard to find but as far as official strikes are concerned most people's collection are missing those two. Having a repro is the next best thing and yours is in good condition, with no edge knocks, defects, dents or verdigris so that in itself is a bonus. It also has the correct to type French produced ribbon. A nice placeholder until you can get eventually obtain an official strike. Even if you do manage to get an official strike the repro's are handy to use as reference pieces as well. Regards, Rob

Hello Herman, There is an additional bronze BWM thread at: You may want to re-post in that area to see if additional replies can shed more light. Regards, Rob

Hello No One, An interesting artefact indeed. The French were very prescriptive in the award qualification criteria for their interallied vic. Some of the more interesting award certificates are of the 'external theatres' which had even more restrictive qualifying areas and conditions. It is this diversity of award and qualifying certificates which makes collecting vic documents so rewarding, especially if you have some background to the recipient as well. Regards, Rob

Hello Dron, Nothing too unusual there. You have a nice official strike (Laslo classification). The cracks in the die are not unusual either given the pressure the planchet is exposed to when the medal is struck. The medal ribbon on your example is of italian production so to be more correct to type I would suggest you replace with some original french produced ribbon. Regards, Rob

Hello azyeoman, That's great information about Gregory James' book. I shall have to track one down for reference. Regards, Rob

Hello Rob, Not being an expert in these Philippine issues I would say it is a good example of the 'Official Type 2' (Laslo grading). In this case the planchet should be around 2mm+). Regards, Rob Rob, I would suggest you contact the OMSA ribbon bank. They may have some stocks of the ribbon you are searching for. https://www.omsa.org/omsa-ribbon-bank/ Regards, Rob

To echo Paul's point, Without better resolution images it will be difficult to see the designers initials on the obverse, nor the marks on the lettering on the reverse. Using the term 'tailors copy' is seen more frequently in older Great Britain medals, and those made in the Indian sub-continent. Noting the ribbon is not the correct french type, but looks moreso of the Great Britain variety it is going to be difficult to tell. There are no shortage of modern and less than modern reproductions so buyer beware. If anyone obtains larger images from Kunkers please post them. Regards, Rob

Thanks Herman, A nice group nonetheless. Regards, Rob

Hello Ura87, As has been suggested extremely unlikely. Unless the Japanese member in question was a Liaison Officer in Europe but that is not very likely either. Of interest is that, at least according to the ribbon, on the Belgian vic, it appears to be a Leisek version. So doubly interesting; a Czechoslovak produced Belgian vic on a Japanese group. Sounds a remote possible but unlikely combination. Regards, Rob

Hello Philip.S, Welcome aboard. I am confident that you will find all measure of detailed information amongst the country sub-threads to help you out. I would agree that the design of the Italian vic is one of the more striking. Regards, Rob

Hello Herman, A very nice group indeed; noting the inclusion of the much later produced Silver Star. I note that he has the MOH ribbon bar and neck ribbons on the top shelf. Is that item still part of the group? Regards, Rob

Nick, It seems people forget that in an era where accountability for one's 'un-gentlemanly' conduct is not always called out, it can and does occur. Actions have consequences. Regards, Rob

Hi Lambert, There is a picture of a silvered version of this unofficial French example, by Delande, in the French vic sub-forum. Not seen that often but they do exist. Regards, Rob

Rob, Send me a DM with an email address and I'll forward you the article when I find it. I am not near my collection or research notes at the moment but will be in March. Regards, Rob

Hi summersbrown, All good with these three. The two unofficial type 1's are both good. The one with the narrow wire suspender is a later production. It uses the same die as the central example. It also has the same die flaw on the reverse with a flash mark underneath the line of the cross next to the letter 'D'. Of note is that the ribbon is the correct Portuguese produced variety on all three. Regards, Rob To the mods, In order to keep these country specific forum topics clean I would recommend this post be moved into the larger thread dedicated to Portuguese vics. Regards, Rob