RobW

Close-up of the reverse showing the designers name. Regards, Rob

To all, I have already posted these pics on the 'WW1 Victory medals of the world' thread but thought they would be of use here as well, and as Tim B has said it will keep the interest level up. Here is an official Romanian, noting the designers name 'Kristesko' on the reverse. Close-up of the designers name to follow. Regards, Rob

And the required close-ups. Regards, Rob

Here is a French made reproduction of the U.S. vic. Of note is that it is suspended by a ball instead of the barrel or thick wire suspender of the official U.S. strikes. There are a number of different French made repro's of the U.S. vic, listed as the type 1 and type 1a in Mr Laslo's book. This one is not listed in Mr Laslo's reference but has been mentioned in a journal article of the OMSA. It differs from the others (repro type 1 and 1a) on the obverse by the wider face of victory, stronger rays that lead to the rim, a much wider sword, different wing and feather detail, and wider feet detail. On the reverse the lettering is considerably wider and thicker than the other strikes. This particular specimen has both the word 'BRONZE' as well as an unidentified triangle hallmark on the rim. These French repro's are not often found. Regards, Rob

Tim, I think that you will find that the abbreviation in this case stands for 'The Leicestershire Regiment'. It is common for Great Britain vics (as well as Aust, NZ, Canadian & Indian) to have the unit impressed at the end after the recipients regimental details. It is the presence of this detail which makes it much fun and of interest as you can then research the 'person behind the medal'. If you post the details of the recipient, including the service number some research can be conducted. Regards, Rob

Tim, The major difference between a Great Britain type 1 and type 2 would relate to the finish and the suspender and time of issue. You are correct that the type 1 had a more chocolate or brown appearance, compared to the more commonly seen shiny appearance one. The areas to look at are the barrel suspender; on the type 1 it has been soldered to the planchet whereas with the type 2 it is actually part of the planchet. In other forums and in particular Great Britain, it has been noted that a number of type 1 Great Britain vics have been seen amongst officer groups and were sent to the recipient between October-November 1920 or at the least before the decision was made to change to a shiny finish with integrated suspender in early 1921. The easiest way to check when a Great Britain recipient was awarded his vic is to conduct some research and obtain the Medal Index Card (MIC). That provides detail on medal entitlements, entry in theatres of war, units and ranks. In addition a recent article on the type 1 and type 2 Great Britain vic was published in the journal of the Orders and Medals Research Society of Great Britain (OMRS). That may be worth a look at as well. Of course there is in addition, a number of different 'tailors copies' of the Great Britain vic that have also been identified. Hope this helps. Regards, Rob

Hello Tim, Yes this type of ribbon has been seen on many vics coming out of Europe. It is the current contemporary manufacture of what could be considered 'coarse ribbon'. I have seen it on a number of czech vics originating in Belgium and France as well as a couple coming out of the Czech Republic. Regards, Rob

Here is the obligatory close-up. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a Romanian unofficial type 2 or more commonly referred to as the 'Reverse N' variety. It has some more variations to the design compared to the official strike and the unofficial type 1. It was produced by an unknown local Romanian manufacturer. It is 36.6 mm in diameter. Other examples have been seen with a gilt finish. The interesting feature of this variety is that on the reverse the letter 'N' is reverse on all the allied nation name rings, as well as having the letter 'G' replaced by a letter 'C'. A close-up of the reverse showing the reversed 'N's will follow. Regards, Rob

Here is the close-up of the reverse area. A comparison with the previous close-up of the official strike will show the similarities in design as well as the lack of the makers name. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a Romanian unofficial type 1. It has only minor die variations compared to the official strike. It is suspended by a much smaller ball than the official and unofficial type 1. The major difference is that it doesn't have the makers name on the reverse. There are also minor variations in the lettering in the country rings on the reverse. Diameter is 36.5 mm. It was produced by, an as yet, unknown French manufacturer. It has been reported some have the word 'BRONZE' on the edge whereas this one has no edge markings. Strangely enough it is found a bit less often than the official strikes. Close-up of the reverse area lacking the makers name to follow. Regards, Rob

And the close-up. Regards, Rob

To all, Another change of direction. Here is an official Romanian, noting the makers name 'Kristesko' on the reverse. Close-up of the makers mark to follow. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a pic of an official cuban vic. It was produced with a gilt finish by Establishments Chobillon in France, has the 'C.Charles' designers name on the obverse, as well as the Chobillon triangle hallmark and BRONZE impressed on the edge at the 5 and 6 o'clock positions. It is also attached to an attractive local Cuban decorative suspender. Regards, Rob

And the close-up. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is yet another vic; this time a French official model. While it looks like the standard model of note is the makers mark on the reverse. In this case it is a triangle inscribed with 'JB' which is the mark of 'Janvier Berchot'. They produced the French official vic in addition to the Paris mint. Close-up of the reverse to follow. Regards, Rob

Hello Tim, Excellent question as to how many varieties of the Fire Cross there are. It is much like my continuous search of the different varieties of the official Belgian vic. All the references state there was but one official model but I have seen many different variations and differences in metal, strike, finish, and ball suspenders, to suggest that there were many different manufacturers all working to the same official model specs. Given the volume produced I suppose we should expect some variations ! We are probably looking at a similar situation here. Regards, Rob

Here is the cloth rank patch for General Duty dress. It is worn on the top of the sleeve, not on the bottom near the wrist that was the case in the past. When I can find some Service Dress and Mess Dress rank badges I shall post them as well. Regards, Rob

Here we have the cloth rank slide for the Garrison Jacket. This zippered jacket is a dark brown item and resembles a 'bomber jacket' of old, with the rank patch worn off-centre. Regards, Rob

Hello Peter, I have seen a number of italian victory medals, from different manufacturers (Johnson, Sacchini, and F.M. Loriol-Castelli) with this type of ribbon. The ribbon that you have displayed, on the one on the left, has also been referred to as the 'imperial style' ribbon. I have heard references that the vic medal was 're-used' with this style ribbon to commemorate the concept of the 'Italian Empire' during the rule of Mussolini from1922 onward. I am making enquiries with some fellow vic collectors in Italy and will post a reply when any detail becomes available. Regards, Rob

Here are the close-ups. The italian vic mini has been seen in a number of different diameters ranging from 12.5 mm - 18 mm. Even though this particular mini is only 18 mm in diameter it has quite a great deal of detail. Such a lovely design. Regards, Rob

And the reverses.

To all, Here is a nice small italian vic mini group comprised of: * War Merit Cross * Commemorative War Medal 1915-1918 * Commemorative Medal for the Unification of Italy 1848-1918 * Interallied Victory Medal The italian vic is 18 mm in diameter and has the Orsolini 'MOD' and 'Sacchini' marks on the bottom of the obverse. These pics have also been posted on the 'WW1 Victory medals of the world' thread as well as some other Italian vic variety pics. Close-ups to follow. Regards, Rob

Here are the close-ups. The italian vic mini has been seen in a number of different diameters ranging from 12.5 mm - 18 mm. Even though this particular mini is 18 mm in diameter it has quite a great deal of detail. Such a lovely design. Regards, Rob

And the reverses.