RobW

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.

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 'Italy - WW1 Victory Medal' thread under that specific country area as well. Close-ups to follow. Regards, Rob

Hello William, I can do that. The items are in transit at the moment from Slovenia, so they will take a bit of time to make there way to Australia. Once they arrive I shall scan the medals, boxes, and award certificates for the perusal of all. There is already an existing thread at: 'Serbia - Different Types of Commemorative WW1', so I'll post the pics there. Regards, Rob

It seems that things are a bit quiet here at the moment so here is another uniface vic. It was produced by an, as yet, unidentified French manufacturer. It is classed as either a Belgian unofficial model or a French unofficial model. This one has a very lovely deep toned patina on both the obverse and reverse. Regards, Rob

And the same for the Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU). I am not sure why but this rank slide is a bit longer than its DPCU counterpart. Once again worn on the front centre of the shirt. Once I track down the general cloth patches for General Duty Dress, Mess Dress, and Winter Dress I shall post pics. Regards, Rob

To all, To add some Australian flavour here is the cloth rank patch for Army WO2 worn on the Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform (DPCU). The addition of AUSTRALIA on the bottom of the rank slide is recent. This rank is worn on the front centre of the shirt. Regards, Rob

Hello new world, It is all a matter of perspective. I was not specifically searching for the item until a related search led me to the same area and I noticed the group. After some other checking and research, by the time I had returned 'a couple of hours later' the item had sold! On a related note it did actually have a good finish as it led me somewhere else where I picked up 2 Serbian Commemorative Cross' for the War of Liberation and Union, 1914-1918. One is the Arthus Bertrand produced cross with an award document to a Serbian officer, and the other a Huguenin Freres produced cross in a box to a French soldier, with the corresponding award document. Even though I was disappointed at the time I am philosophical about such things and I have had a good result with the cross' so all is good. When I have time I will scan the items and post pics. Regards, Rob

To all, I have just picked up the following item; a uniface French official vic. Having never seen one before I was surprised when I found it. The reverse is universally smooth somewhat negating the possibility of it having been erased and the planchet is thinner which is consistent with other French uniface models. Has anyone else seen such a variety? Regards, Rob

Hello Chris, Thanks for the info. I have just picked up the following item; a uniface French official vic. Having never seen one before I was surprised when I found it. Has anyone else seen such a variety? Happy for any thoughts. Regards, Rob