RobW

Hello Nick, I can't vouch for the veracity of the group other than I have actually handled it. I agree that the ribbon wear on different pieces is inconsistent and noted the extra wear on the Taisho Enthronement medal compared with those on either side. I am not sure what extra detail was indicated but it was sold by a Sydney based dealer at auction in October last year. I noted it at the time but not having a victory medal it was outside of my collecting area. Regards, Rob

To all, While this group is not mine I have been allowed to post a picture of this item for discussion. I don't have any other pics. A nicer large group comprising: * Order of the Sacred Treasure 8th class * Order of the Rising Sun 8th class * 1914-20 War Medal * Taisho Enthronement Medal 1915 * 1st National Cencus Medal 1921 * Showa Enthronement Medal 1928 * Manchurian 'Incident' Medal 1931-34 * China 'Incident' Medal 1937 * 2600th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal 1940 * Manchukuo National Foundation Merit Medal 1933 * Red Cross Membership Medal This large group was contained in a unique velvet lined leather wallet that can be seen in the background. It had black leather on the outside and a much darker blue velvet on the inside lining. It is the largest Japanese longer service group that I have seen. Any comments on this group would be appreciated. Regards, Rob

To all, Has anyone else seen any of these inscribed like battle clasps? Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, I have seen some lapel pins with a design of the Czechoslovakian vic but I have not seen a miniature. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, While not particularly wanting to describe the specific detail here, lest we inform and educate the fakers which might be lurking among us, a picture or two would illustrate the item. This would be a good aid for subsequent collectors. Regards, Rob

To all, Given the lack of any response can I safely assume that no collector has one? Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, A nice official example. It is good to see that the item cleaned up alright and looks particularly nice with the new ribbon. Such an attractive piece the cuban vic is. As others have alluded to in earlier posts they are generally seen with a high price, and, with the Brazil and Siam vics as company, are in the next price bracket for most collectors. Regards, Rob

Hello Pagan, Yes; I would agree. The revese lettering of the South African vic is such an eye catching design. The campaigns in Africa during the Great War are often under-reported and under-appreciated due to the focus being given to actions that occurred in the France theatre. A nice example. Regards, Rob

Hello IrishGunner, While there are noticeable differences in the Indian produced War medal things are a bit more difficult with the vics. Opinion is divided as to whether or not it is confirmed that the vic was even produced in India. Some collectors believe this was the case whereas others believe they were all produced in England and shipped to India. A lack of access to surviving records in India compounds the problem. The only qualifiying comment I can make is that some vics in Indian groups do indeed appear to have a weaker strike compared to those in UK groups. This is, of course, not conclusive. Regards, Rob

Hello Rayjin, This is indeed a reproduction/replica. Produced in the UK in the early 1990's. Regards, Rob

To all, Do any collectors have any miniatures of the Czech vic? Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, The french produced 'superbe tissage ancien' is indeed of very good quality. It is the same quality as that produced in the late 1920's and early 1930's before the re-issue type medals were produced. There are a range of modern produced reproduction ribbons but all of these don't seem to achieve the watered blending effect of the silk varieties produced in the 1920's and 1930's. Regards, Rob

To one and all, It is interesting to note that the original Vic thread, started on 13 April 2007, has now had over 40,000 views. It is heartening to see that this particular thread is so highly viewed and is a good resource for all vic collectors. While I haven't necessarily checked all the other forums, threads and sub-threads at GMIC I would suggest that our little niche has probably the highest view count here. Let's keep things going. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Given the vast quantities of the French vic produced I would suggest that this is simply a slightly different die. In regards the French vic Re-Issue; it is definitely of a more shiny finish compared to the darker bronze of the original issue. In addition there are two minor varieties of the Re-Issue; the more commonly seen type with a very shiny finish and the less common variety that has a reddish-bronze appearance. While they are seen rarely the shiny Re-Issue can still be obtained. Hope this helps. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, With 28 vics it is good to see that you have well and truly entered down that slippery slope! It is a fun ride and you never know where you'll end up. With 13 countries to choose from, and the extra varieties of the Commonwealth countries, there is always something to collect. This is what makes it such fun! Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, I am sure everyone is more than happy to assist. It is, after all, a bit of a vic community. Regards, Rob

Hello Jim, Thanks for the reply. That is a nice selection of bars that you have. Do you have any others in your collection? In regards the more shiny of the two LARGE FLEET bars, (most recent ebay one) have you seen any other examples of this sort and variety; as it looks similar but not the same as the others that you have posted? Have you seen any Army varieties like this? There seems to be many different varieties of these Army and Navy bars to the US vic. It certainly makes for interesting collecting. Regards, Rob

To all, As indicated here is a pic of one of these very new US navy vic bars. Any comments welcome? Regards, Rob

Hello Jim, That would be good to see your copy. On that theme; there is currently a lot of US Navy vic clasps on ebay that seem too new and not of the correct colour or finish. Do any of our US vic collectors have any ideas or opinions as to their background? When I have time I will post a pic of one for reference. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Apart from the fact that it is suspended by Italian ribbon I think it looks okay. Probably just a trial or other variety. Regards, Rob

Yes Paul; I do. Hello Bill, Laslo did indeed correctly identify the suspension in the illustration in both editions of his book. It also clearly shows the CASA DA-MOEDA makers mark on the rim. My type 1 has a wire suspension exactly the same as that illustrated in the Laslo volumes. Regards, Rob

Hello Kevin, Thanks for the close-up. I have attached a combined composite copy of your picture and another from this sub-topic and it suggests that the medal is the unofficial type 2 or 'Reverse N' variety according to the Laslo reference. The unofficial type 3 has certain other distinguishing features that are not the same as that in this picture. It is always interesting to see actual pictures of the recipients wearing their medals that we discuss. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, You would indeed be correct that those three are becoming much harder to find. As for the Siam vic there are a number of options although, as you have suggested, they are all expensive. There is an official one listed at eMedals: https://www.emedals.com/Pages/DirectSale/DirectSaleItemDetails.aspx?id=8418 and a number of reproduction type 2's, as described in the Laslo volume at Liverpoolmedals: 1. http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/Thailand-L19534.html 2. http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/Thailand-L16416-pr-4582.html Interestingly while the reported minted numbers for the Siam vic are lower they are actually a bit easier to find than the Brazil vic. There is always the option of a contemporary reproduction piece, that seem to abound on the online auction sites, to use as a 'space filler' until a suitable specimen is found. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, You would indeed be correct that those three are becoming much harder to find and none of them are going to get less expensive. There is currently listed an official cuban at Liverpoolmedals: http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/Cuba-Official-issue-with-chobillon-hallmark-and-bronze-on-edge-L5766-pr-4936.html as well as at Medal-Medaille: http://www.medal-medaille.com/product_info.php?cPath=188&products_id=5791 and there are four listed at eMedals although their prices are a bit higher than other places. There is always the option of a contemporary reproduction piece, that are regularly seen on the online auction sites, to use as a 'space filler' until a suitable specimen is found. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, You would indeed be correct that those three are becoming much harder to find. Given that you are in Brazil I would have thought that you would have more chance than most to locate a specimen. As Julio states above they are not seen that often in Brazil either, but I think you would have a better chance than most. There is currently a Brazil vic, official type 2, listed at Liverpoolmedals: http://www.liverpool...-very-rare.html There is always the option of a contemporary reproduction piece to use as a 'space filler' until a suitable specimen is found. Regards, Rob