RobW

Hello Bill, I have also seen a UK group of four {with a Military Medal} that had a DEFENSIVE SECTOR clasp attached to the vic. I suppose the veterans basically did what they wanted especially if they were no longer in the service. It is this variety which makes collecting vics interesting. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Did you manage to obtain this example?? Regards, Rob

Hello Pierre-Yves, I have 3 George Studley catalogues (1939, 1943 and 1961) but my collection is in long-term storage so I cannot get access to them. These catalogues are a good source of information on US medals and do indeed show the differences between US produced versions of French medals and the original French manufactured items. I have also seen other US groups that have the French manufactured Verdun and St. Mihiel medals. There is always much variety. Regards, Rob

To all, This forum, again only in the French language has been resurrected as FIM 2. It is located at: http://insignes-medailles.forumpro.fr/ Fellow collectors that can understand french, or can use the google translation tool, would find this a good resource on French medals. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, A nice trio especially with the original less blended ribbon. The un-ribboned Sacchini example, in the original paper package, is a nice example. These are not often seen. Regards, Rob

Hello Sergio, Taking into consideration that there were an estimated 300,000 to 350,000 (Laslo Ed 2, cit) of this model produced, some variation in both the finish and metallic content should be expected. While all the specific Belgian manufacturers of this model have not been identified I have seen models before that have a shallower level of detail as well as more bronze appearance to the ball suspender. Both examples look fine. Regards, Rob

Hello Jim, Probably because not all collectors do due diligence before obtaining an item. This can be due to being new to the collecting area or not necessarily having access to a good source of credible information. Both volumes by the late Mr Laslo are good starting points but not all collectors either have a copy or access to them. A quick search of online resources, of which this forum is but one, would be able to give a prospective purchaser both the information, context, and pictures, to make an informed decision. This doesn't always happen. Unfortunately as long as there is a source of new customers such fakes will always be sold. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, There are examples of the Morlon model that do not have the cornucopia and BR mark on the reverse. They are not found that often. Given that you have provided a very clear close-up of the reverse it does indeed appear that there are no corresponding marks. The roughness of the bottom part of the edge and reverse planchet does look a bit odd but that may be a result of the image and lighting. It should be remembered that the Morlon model was produced in very significant numbers so it is not surprising that there is such a variety of manufacturers. A nice pickup in good condition. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately I can't show the reverse of this group as I sold it last week to make way for another item. Regards, Rob

Hello GM1, You will also note on the first Alexander Leisek model, with the 'LA' mark inside the wreath on the obverse, that there is a faint PAUL DUBIOS stamping at the bottom right of the obverse. This is not present on the Leisek models that only have the 'LA' mark on the reverse. Regards, Rob

To one and all, Here is an italian group with an official type 3 vic (Lorioli-Castelli Milano). Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, To the eye of a rim that does appear to be slightly rounded is a very good indication of a name erased piece. A very close inspection on the sides of the medal planchet would inevitably show where any such erasing has started and stopped. Such a shame when such erasing occurs becaues it removes the opportunity to know the recipient through subsequest research. Noting that the records for this collection indicate the pieces were collected by 1928, combined with the initial establishing decree for the Cuban vic dated in June 1922 (amended in August 1924), it is at least suggestive that the piece was produced during that era and is correct to type. I am sure that others will have differing opinions. Regards, Rob

To one and all, For those vic collectors that have yet to obtain a copy of the Laslo references there are two current ebay auctions open; one for each edition of the books. Auction numbers are: * 151056874567 - Numbered and signed 1986 first edition (752/765). * 151056874741 - 1992 second edition. While both have a modest starting price these volumes are not seen that often. Despite their age they are the only specific reference book available, at this time. Regards, Rob

To all, As Pierre-Yves has mentioned the interesting item in the group is the US produced French War Commemorative medal. While slightly off-topic there are also US manufactured versions of the following French medals: * St. Mihiel Medal * Chateau-Thierry Medal * Verdun Medal These US manufactured versions are surprisingly more difficult to find than their French made counterparts. The FIDAC medals is also a nice specimen. I have seen other French made examples that have a ball suspender and the dates 1918-19 inscribed on the reverse. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, It does seem odd that a person with but 1 piece of feedback has made so many bids; although they could just be starting out in the vic section. Regards, Rob

Hello Claudio, Thanks for posting these pics. These are a nice pair of Italian diploma's. While I am also not an expert on the myriad of French vic diplomas this is a nice example of that issued to a member of the 1st Aeronautic Group. Those certificates awarded to members of the French Air Force, or air groups in general are not often seen. As Jean-Michel illustrated above there are quite a few different designs to the French vic diploma. Regards, Rob

Hello GM1, Welcome to the forum and this particular area. It is not unusual for the Alexander Leisek maker marks to be very faint. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, This same vendor had a clasp that is quite shiny and appears to be of recent manufacture. The lettering appears to be much more squat and elongated compared to the official strikes. Regards, Rob

To all, While my collection is in long-term storage, I would be interested to see what opinions there are on the scarcity of particular country award certificates/brevets/diplomas. I think the scarcest diplomas are: * Brazil, and * Italian Navy It would be good to hear other opinions. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, It is a nice unofficial type 3 nonetheless. The unofficial type 3a are particularly scarce and hard to find. Regards, Rob

Hello Dave, At the moment my collection is in long-term storage so it is not at hand. My collection records indicate some were cast and others die-struck. It would be interesting to see what the French collectors think. Regards, Rob

Hello Dave, The only reason I can think that they would be imported into the US was for the existing collectors market. Yes; I have seen other victory medals with both the BRONZE marks as well as stamped MADE IN FRANCE. I have the following; * Belgian vic with MADE IN FRANCE & BRONZE on the edge. * Cuban vic with MADE IN FRANCE & BRONZE on the edge. * 2 Japan vics with MADE IN FRANCE on the edge. * 2 Portugal vics with MADE IN FRANCE on the edge. * 2 US vics with MADE IN FRANCE on the edge. * 2 US vics with MADE IN ITALY on the edge. I also have pictures of the following; * Czechoslovak vic with MADE IN FRANCE on edge. * Czechoslovak vic with MADE IN FRANCE on the suspension ring. In all these examples the style of stamp used is consistent with that seen on the Siam example. While slightly off-topic I have also seen this MADE IN FRANCE and BRONZE markings on a French produced British 1914 Star as well. That example is in the hands of a US collector. Regards, Rob

Hello Dave, I would suggest this item is not a fake but moreso a contemporary to the 1930's French reproduction. Regards, Rob

Hello Dave, I would agree that it is a copy and of contemporary to the 1930's period. The French manufacture accounts for the 'BRONZE' mark and the compliance with the US 1931 Tariff Law explains the country of origin 'MADE IN FRANCE' marking. Of course it will prove a bit harder to lock down the exact French manufacturer. Regards, Rob

Nice diplomes Jean-Michel. There is a wide variety of designs and different award categories for the French vic, so there should be many examples to be posted. There is also quite a few variations of the Italian award certificates. It will be good to see the document collectors amongst the group. Regards, Rob