RobW

Hello Bill, An interesting over-strike error. I have seen a few of these on the Romanian vics. While it is possible that the country names were struck after the main die that would be speculative at best. Without access to the original die we are not likely to know. It is also possible that the planchet moved during the stiking process. Either way it is an interesting die strike error. Certainly plays tricks on the eyes. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, That information would be correct. Regards, Rob

Jim, All I'm saying is that in the two groups that I have seen, one had an official stike and the other had an unofficial gilt strike. There are, of course, many more varieties that have been seen in the market. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Have fun with your search for an official type. I have recently obtained a document group of 4 to the same gentleman. Definitely not as easy as finding the medals in the first place, but still worth the search. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, I would agree that despite the low mintage numbers for the Cuban vic quoted by Alex Laslo there does seem to be a regular supply of the items in the market. Having said that I have only seen two cuban groups with the vic; one an official strike and the other a gilt version of the unofficial strike. Regards, Rob

No Jim, I don't. Regards, Rob

Hello Kevin, In line with your comments I have also seen a silvered bronze variety of the official Romanian victory medal. Again this is likely to have been done to enhance the finish of the recipients medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, The Romanian vics, both the official stike as well as the myriad of unofficial varieties are seen irregularly in the market. While they are appearing more often in the online auction houses the prices continue their upward spiral and are becoming a bit more difficult to obtain. If opportunity presents I would try to obtain the official strike first before any of the unofficial varieties. The same can be said for the award certificates. They are seen on an infrequent basis and always seem to attract a premium price. Regards, Rob

Hello Kevin, A closer look at the pics provided from the ebay listing shows what appears to be a test cut on the right front of the obverse on the rim. While it cannot be conclusively determined it does appear that the material underneath is of a silver finish. This suggests an item that is silver. If it were of a silvered-bronze material the bronze would be visible underneath. I would suggest that the item is more likely to be a cast copy in silver. Regards, Rob

Hello Mel, Always happy to help where I can. Regards, Rob

Jim, The medal is 36mm in diameter. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is an interesting us vic with a 'wire loop'. It has a 2.4 mm diameter planchet and not the 3 mm planchet of an 'official type 1' according to the Laslo book. Of note is the unofficial 'OFFENSIVE SECTOR' bar. Apart from a US group of 4 posted here earlier (post # 94), that was listed on another us militaria forum, and a reference (but no picture) in the Laslo book (2nd Edition page 119) I have seen very few other examples. Have any of our us collectors seen this variety before? Regards, Rob

Hello Jim, What an interesting piece. Is it yours? Regards, Rob

To all, While a little of topic, and to further reinforce Kevin's point, here is a picture of what appears to be a silvered Romanian War Cross. While this item is from a current ebay auction it does at least appear to be of silvered appearance and finish. It just goes to show that there are always going to exceptions to the rule. Regards, Rob

That is, I think the most pertinent point. Given that most other Romanian unofficial strikes have been seen in bronze it is indeed likely that this silver piece was a private purchase or commissioned item. Given the distinct similarities to other previously identified Romanian unofficial type 3 variants, it is very suggestive of similar dies. While it is likely that such dies were produced by local Romanian artisans it is interesting that this silver piece has found its way to France. Regards, Rob

Hello Nick, A nice set of documents you have. Was this his only entitlement or are there other documents in the group? Regards, Rob

I would agree Lambert, that this piece does appear to be consistent with others from the same era, and more closely aligns with the 'unofficial type 3' variety. While I have seen other examples where there was a gilt finish, or a much lighter bronze finish, this example was the first one that I have seen with a silvered finish. Without actually holding the example it would be difficult to determine if it is a silvered-bronze example, a zinc derivative, or actually produced in silver. Either way it is an interesting example which generated discussion for a week or so. Regards, Rob

Hello Nick, Are you saying that is most likely that this is a group of 6 with the 1928 Showa Enthronement a later add-on? The ribbons on the other six medals appears consistent. Does the lack of the 1915 Taisho Enthronement medal raise any flags? A nice group it is. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, It is not unusual to see such shallow strikes where the detail is very low almost flat. While the Linden leaf attachments are generally seen on the War Cross they do appear on the Czechoslovak-Belgian vics as well. There was another example posted on the Czechoslovakia vic sub-thread. A nice unofficial type 2 (Riemer) example you have there Bill. They are becoming harder to obtain in good condition. This specimen certainly complements the other unofficial type 1 (Leisek) that you have. Regards, Rob

Hello Nick, Unfortunately I didn't remember to download the pics. I recall it was sometime in 2009. Strangely enough I haven't seen another one since that time so I am not too sure of their scarcity. Regards, Rob

Hello Nick, I have seen a similar replica-reproduction of the French victory medal, complete with 'R' marking centrally placed on the lower reverse, covering the normally seen Paris mint cornucopia and BR marking. It too had the clear plastic pres-fit cover and vacuuformed felt backing. This is at least suggestive of a similar maker. I don't have any details on the originator of the piece either but noted the example on ebay France. Regards, Rob

And here is a combined composite of the two. While there appears to be a reduced level of detail noticeable on the silvered version, especially on the reverse, the common design and features seem to be apparent. Regards, Rob

Here is the silvered variety that is causing the discussion over on the other sub-thread. A closer inspection of the silvered version shows that, at least the major areas of the obverse and reverse, are very similar. This would suggest a common manufacturer or die. Regards, Rob

To all, Noting the ongoing conversation regarding a particular Romanian victory medal on the FAKES section I have a comparison to make. To bring the conversation back to the medals I have posted another Romanian local victory medal conforming to Alex Laslo's 'unofficial type 3'. Regards, Rob

To all, Great points of discussion. Could I suggest that we re-copy these last couple of posts into the Romanian vic sub-thread as that will provide context in that area as well. Regards, Rob