RobW

Here is the close-up pics of the central disc. The bi-lingual inscription and black enamelling is quite good. Depending on the angle that it is viewed it also appears that the enamelling changes hue from black to brown. The bronze can be clearly seen especially on the reverse. Are these silvered-bronze versions seen regularly? Regards, Rob

To all, Here is my single contribution to this fascinating thread. I have identified this model as the post 1951 version that is bi-lingual. Of note is that this model appears to be of a silvered bronze variety as the bronze background can be seen on both the Order itself, as well as the swords. The 'L' monogramed palm by contrast is very silvered. Close-ups of the central disc to follow. I would appreciate any comments. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Definitely a good copy. If it has the BRONZE and 'AC' makers mark on the edge it is definitely produced by the Chobillon firm. While there are fakes of the cuban they have not got the marks correct. I do not want to provide this detail as it will only educate the fakers. Regards, Rob

Hello Rich, I believe 'SJ' would be for Stefano-Johnson and 'FML' would be for Filippo e Michele Lorioli. Regards, Rob

This example is maker marked 'B' and, as was indicated above, it is incused. I have an example maker marked with 'R'. When I locate that I shall post it. Regards, Rob

To all, To further illustrate the point I have a couple of War Merit Cross' as part of groups. I shall post them when I can track them down. First up we have a plain unadorned War Merit Cross. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, While a little off-topic, here is the miniature italian war commemorative medal. It is part of a larger mini group of 5, including a vic, that I am re-constructing. It is maker marked 'S J' (Stephano Johnson) immediately below the wreath on the central bottom of the obverse. In addition the designers mark 'S.C' for Silvio Canevari is to the right, as viewed, of the bust of the King. Such detail from a miniature only 18mm in diameter is good workmanship. The dated year bars are also a nice design. I hope this helps. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, A nice example with a good level of patina and little wear. Does the top of the ribbon have holes for what would be a pin type suspender? I note that this example also has the small triangle marks in the same position on the reverse. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Yes; it is the wide variety that makes collecting these items interesting. When I have time I will post a pic of an Italian war commemorative mini with four dated year bars. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Nice group. It is interesting that the war medal has what appears to be two palms with 'A' or 'L' monogram on them; instead of the miniature dated year bars. These dated year bars are quite difficult to find. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a relative close-up of an official Greek vic, sans ribbon. This should aid others in identifying distinguishing features. Regards, Rob

Hello Ulsterman, Yes it is a bronze material, although of a very much lighter tone than the original issue. The planchet is a bit thinner as well. I have seen this particular strike referred to as an 'un-numbered unofficial' strike. I don't see why it would have been necessary given that there are certainly a large amount of original numbered examples in the market. Regards, Rob

Hello Bob, Nice group. Being a specialist victory medal collector are there any markings on the victory medal? I would expect to see at least '@' and possibly 'SACCHINI' or 'SJ'. Regards, Rob

Here is another New York State World War 1 Service Medal. It differs from that posted earlier (post # 31). The wear to the ribbon notwithstanding, it is suspended by a different brooch noticeable on the reverse. In addition there are numerous die differences, on both the obverse and reverse. There is also no serial number on the reverse. Especially noticeable is the different font style with the country names in raised letters compared to incised lettering on the earlier example. The wire suspender is considerably thinner than the earlier example and the medal has a much lighter bronze finish. It is possible that this example is a later re-strike or re-issue of the earlier release. It would be interesting to hear from our US collectors on this. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a 1917-1918 War Service medal, from the City of Manchester, New Hampshire. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, I have had a closer look at my collection and have discovered a couple of other awards. I shall post them a bit later. One appears to be a re-strike of the New York State Service medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, What is also interesting about this group is that the unofficial 'La Medaille des Combattants de la Marne' is mounted at the front of the group. This unofficial Marne medal was created in August 1937 so you would expect to see it mounted toward the end of the group next to the unofficial wound medal. The recipient obviously valued his service on the Marne. An interesting miniature group with a story to tell no doubt. Regards, Rob

Hello Jeff, Thanks for the information. It appears, at least anecdotally, that the medal was most likely issued to the recipient around the same time as his victory medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Ulsterman, Thanks for the re-direction. I am aware that, apart from those that are directly attributed to an individual, there are also numbered NY State service medals that were not actually issued. Time will tell to see who this specific medal was awarded to. Regards, Rob

Hello Ulsterman, Yes the NY State service medal is numbered. It is: No. 13879. It can be seen at the top of the reverse immediately below the suspension ring. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, This is the only US state award I have. It is actually part of a larger group to a US serviceman from the 1st Division. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is my New York State World War 1 Service Medal. I particularly like the reverse showing the country names where personnel from the State served. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, You are correct in your thinking that this uniface medal was produced during the gap between the releasing of the Ministerial Instruction authorising the French victory medal in 1919 and the actual production of such medal in 1922. I have seen the uniface medal in a number of French Great War groups and they are always make such groups interesting. I have such a French group in my collection. If I can dig it out I will post a picture. I have also seen a few mounted inside picture frames; which would go some way to explaining the thinness of the medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Thanks for the picture. The size and style of the text matches one that I have. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Are you able to take a picture of the MADE IN FRANCE marking on the rim? Regards, Rob