RobW

Hello Lambert, Yes the Czech is a French reproduction. In addition the Japan variety illustrated is also a French production. Surprisingly these French productions are seen more rarely than their official counterparts. These reproductions also have the correct French ribbon as well. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Yes you are correct; that is a nice Repro type 1 according to Mr Laslo's classification system. They are not that easy to locate. Aside from 'MADE IN FRANCE' these items are sometimes marked with 'BRONZE' so have a look around the entire rim. There may be that mark also. In regards the ribbon I would change it because it has the Italian ribbon. If you try to find some good period French made ribbon it would be more correct. Regards, Rob

Hello Detlev, Thanks for the reply. That is good to know and the fact that it is gilt finished silver would explain the lovely patina that the decoration has. Regards, Rob

I can assume by the silence that no-one has an opinion on this possible hallmark ! Regards, Rob

And the close ups.

To all, As part of a related miniature group I recently obtained this Haiti Service medal mini. It is 12.67mm in diameter across the widest points of the star with a 12mm ribbon. Upon a closer inspection of the suspension ring of the medal I noted two different flat areas. When viewed through a loop it is clear to me that both are makers marks but I cannot make out the detail. I am aware of the different French makers marks but have less knowledge of who produced these Haitian awards. Do any collectors of medals from this area have any idea as to who these makers marks belong to? Close ups of the suspension ring to follow. Regards, Rob

To the US collectors present on this thread, I am looking for some research assistance with one of my US vics. I obtained the item with a small lot of assorted items as well as the dog tag belonging to 2nd LT. R.C. Smith, CO. A. 132 INF, USA. The gentleman's full details were: Richard C. Smith Sr. The US vic had engagement bars consistent with service by the 132 Inf Regt, 66th Inf Bde, of the 33rd Inf Div. This is confirmed in a number of different US govt released publications as well as the Planchet Pub released by the OMSA. What I am trying to establish is if there is any remote chance of determining what the Citation Star was awarded for. I am not naive enough to believe that the US vic and ID disc and associated items may be mated together to effect a sale but am confident in this case a genuine pair are present. What are the research options available to attempt to find more detail on this gentleman to confirm this Citation Star, or not, and to verify any other awards? Regards, Rob

To assist others, Here is a nice Greek navy mini group, showing service in both the Great War and WW2 as well as the vic with a gilt finish. This picture was illustrated on page 93 of the book 'Greek Medals' by George Stratoudakis, self-published, 2001. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Aside from the dark bronze variety displayed here Greek vic mini's have also seen in silvered and gilt finish versions. They are rarely seen by themselves and just as rarely in groups. I have seen a number of Greek mini groups from World War 2 but only two from the Great War. They are difficult to find let alone obtain. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a Greek vic mini. It is 18.5 mm in diameter yet it has such detail. It is hard to tell by the picture but there is such a good level of detail especially in the face of victory on the obverse and the raised plinth on the reverse. Regards, Rob

Bill, I don't have access to my collection at the moment as I'm not in the same location. When I have time and access I will attempt to take a few photos or scans. Regards, Rob

What has intrigued me about this example is the presence on the reverse of a small triangle shaped mark in between 'Merite' and 'Anciennete'. While there is some contact marks and rubbing present on the lower reverse I do not believe that the mark is attributable to that. I have viewed the mark through a magnifier and a glass and it appears to be some form of hallmark inside although I cannot make out the detail. I noted the other Leopold II examples posted here and on Mr Deploige's site do not appear to have or show this mark so I am intrigued. I would appreciate any and all views on what this mark could be or represent. Regards, Rob

A closer look at the medal.

The medal itself has a slight iridescent finish on both sides but has not been polished at all. While there is a slight bend in the lower right arm the medal is good condition considering its age.

The case appears to be a black colour although that may not appear to be apparent from the photographs. The markings inside of the box indicate a Fisch & Cie produced variety. Fisch & Cie, 40.me Antioine Dansaert .Bruxelles.Bourse.

Hello to all, Here is my single contribution to this fascinating thread. A Leopold II variety that I have tentatively identified as a 1900-1910, Type II according to Mr Deploige's web site. These are my first attempts at photographs instead of scans. This example is part of a group of 5 to a Belgian soldier I am currently researching. I am not sure if this is the correct box but the medal did come in this box when the group arrived. Regards, Rob

Hello Dieter, As a vic specialist collector I am always interested in completing my larger collection and that includes the Japanese section. As discussed with you I think it would be pertinent for others that have a direct interest in Japanese specific items to post their wanted items here but then we run the risk of similar wanted sections appearing all over the forum. This may be one for the moderator gods to sort out As I am continually on the lookout for a Japanese victory medal miniature group it is always good for others to know what you're looking for as they may be able to help. My 2c worth. Regards, Rob

For those that can actually read Kanji any further context on what the Rising Sun was awarded for, and on what date etc... would be appreciated. It will give me some more context behind the person. Researching such individuals is always a challenge. Regards, Rob

The smaller award certificate with 250 yen reward for the Rising Sun 8th Class.

The award certificate for the vic. (Serial number 37,050).

Here are the pics. The first two certificates have been truncated on the top and bottom slightly as they were just a little larger than my scanner. All the relevant detail is there. The award certificate for the 1914-20 War Medal. (Serial number: 37,507).

To all, Here is a small set of documents I recently obtained to the same Army gentleman. His details are: Senior Private Nakayama Kiroku, Army Engineering Corps. Many thanks to Paul Murphy for translating these documents for me. :) Of note is the third and smaller document which I originally thought came with the 1914-20 War Medal. As Paul identified it is actually a smaller award document which awarded the recipient the Rising Sun 8th class and 250 yen for merit. It was supposed to come with a larger certificate of the actual Rising Sun award. This larger Rising Sun certificate was not in the group. I post these pics and information in the hope that if anyone else sees this gentleman's Rising Sun certificate for sale, or any other certificates to the same person, that they let me know so that I can attempt a re-unite. I know that this is often a lost cause but any chance at a re-unite is better than none. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, To add to JM's comments, the type 1 are definitely rare. I have a large number of US vics in my collection and only 3 type 1's. They do occasionally come up on the myriad of auction sites, but you have to ask questions about the planchet thickness and have good quality pictures to scrutinise. Additionally you have to know what you are looking at in order to avoid obtaining a modern copy that has a wire suspender compared to an authentic period piece from the 1920s. Have fun in your search. Regards, Rob

To all, To add to the mix here is my example. It doesn't have the BR mark and cornucopia, on the reverse right side underneath the cannon, as per the Paris Mint examples. It is marked BRONZE with a small hallmark on the rim. Regards, Rob

And this last one was dated 18 October 1918. Unfortunately the document is just slightly longer than my scanner hence the top has been truncated. Regards, Rob