RobW

Hi Bill, This example is an unofficial 'Reverse N' variety. It is not unusual to see 'double' or 'overstrikes' on the Romanian vics as they were produced by local manufacturers. A nice example of a variety that is becoming much harder to find. Regards, Rob

Jim, It is indeed a miniature. They are seen with ball suspenders as well as thick wire/cylinder type suspenders. They are seen n a variety of diameters much like the French miniatures. Regards, Rob

Hello muckaroon, That is probably the crux of the matter. As long as you, as the collector, is happy with the piece, then that is all that really matters. We, as collectors, can sometimes get too wrapped up in technicalities and details. As long as the collector is happy with their purchase, and the piece; irrespective of whether or not it is an 'original' or a 'copy' then all should be well. It is, as your last post shows, a fair companion to the other type pieces you have. Welcome aboard the vic collection train. It may stop at many different stations but it goes in whatever direction the collector wants. As I mentioned in an earlier post 'It is a nice example'. Regards, Rob

Hello Muckaroon1960, A nice example that you have obtained. Good patina and a nice strike. Cuban vics, with or without the edge markings, in good condition are becoming more difficult to find. Regards, Rob

Hello Peron, To echo Bill's comments; this example was produced by the French firm of M.Delande. It is now becoming much more difficult to find in good condition. Regards, Rob

Hello David, The Portuguese official type 1 vic is probably one of the rarest varieties to obtain. Depending on which collector/source you refer to there were quite a limited number produced. There are distinct obverse and reverse differences compared to the official type 2. For reference there is an example posted on Pierre-Yves Raynier's website at: http://www.medailles1914-1918.fr/portugal-interal.html Regards, Rob

Hello paja, That is certainly very interesting indeed. Given that we are now amongst the 100 year centenary of the Great War we should probably expect to see more of these commemorative type medals appearing. Thanks for the information and pics. Regards, Rob

Hi Bill, I think you have two official S.Johnson varieties. I have seen many of this type and there have been numerous small variations in manufacture, patina, and finish. Considering the estimated number produced it would not be surprising for some variation. As has been alluded to earlier in this post, and in comparison pics (#64 & #65) the Reissue type 1 has a much shallower level of detail, no dots on the reverse inscription. The really clear sign is the much wider staffa suspender and thinner planchet overall. I don't have access to my collection so I can't show a side-by-side comparison pic of the two types with ribbons removed. Regards, Rob

Hi Bill, I have seen such variety and would attribute it to manufacturer variations. There are also variations in the finish of the medals as well with some having a very dark patina with others a more shiny surface. Regards, Rob

Hello Peron, A nice group to the officer it is. It is particularly good in that the campaign medal shows service in Angola as well as later service in France (and at the Battle of Lys). The Portuguese campaign in the colony in Angola is often forgotten in comparison to the stalemate warfare in France. Regards, Rob

Hello David, There are a number of minor variations in the naming area of the Lorioli-Castelli variety. Some of the name inscriptions are more truncated than others. While I have seen three distinct naming sub-varieties I have not seen such an example where the 'Castelli' only has one 'L'. I would suggest a close-up look at the inscription and you may indeed find the detail. Regards, Rob

Hello Peron, A nice pickup of a variety that is not seen that often. Regards, Rob

Hi David, A nice example you have picked up. Did you manage to obtain all three of his medals or just the vic? The solder joint on the obverse of the suspension barrel is very noticeable. Regards, Rob

To one and all, After a search over the last 18 months I finally managed to locate the example with the much shorter sword hilts. That completes my set of varieties. If there are any other varieties they would be good to see. Regards, Rob

Hi Lambert, I'm always happy to help out and contribute where I am able. Sometimes my time is quite limited but I still hang out here and profer help when I can offer something of value. Regards, Rob

Hi David, There are two different varieties that have both no names on the obverse and the dates 1914 on the reverse. These are identified by Mr Laslo in his reference as: * Official type 4. * Unofficial type 1. As Lambert has pointed out, in post #165, the illustration shows the 'Unofficial type 1'. Despite this variety being unofficial, both it and the official type 4 are seen much more rarely than the Johnson, Lorilo-Castelli or Sacchini varieties. Regards, Rob

Hi Bill, A nice pickup of an example which is not common. Not all examples of this variety have the markings you describe; some are marked and others are not. Irrespective of the polishing it is in good condition. Regards, Rob

Hello David, You have picked up a good example of a relatively scarce item. As Lambert has indicated it is attached to the Belgian produced ribbon. For a more contemporary look you may want to replace the ribbon with some of the French variety. Either way your example is nicely toned and in good condition. A good pickup. Regards, Rob

Hello David, Further to my last post there are some significant differences between the South African type 1 and type 2 varieties. More details, including pictures, can be found in posts #2 & #3 on the South African sub-thread of this forum. Regards, Rob

Hello David, You have certainly requested some interesting items in trade. For your awareness; the Great Britain type 1, Greece type 3, Italy type 5, and Romanian type 3A are probably some of the rarest of the series to find. They are seen rarely and few have them in their collections. I wish you good luck in your trading endeavours. Regards, Rob

Hi Bill, While the medal certainly does have the tone and patina of a type 1 it is a bit difficult to be certain. A gentle clearing of the residue on the barrel suspender will give more of an idea if it is indeed soldered. It is most interesting that the member in question was also in the Labour Corps. There may be a pattern forming here. To echo what Gunner 1 has indicated the MIC will be no help as the details are not provided, unlike officer MICs which have much more detail; including dates. Other than an acknowledgement receipt, as per your Private Kimble example, the extant medal rolls may provide some more contextual information. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, My collection and the associated research files, for each medal and group, are in long-term storage and not located with me. From my master collection list the entries for both of the vics, in question, are to members of the Labor Corps. Interestingly both were also in the Devon Regiment so there may be some link there. It is interesting that now we have at least three pairs to members of the Labor Corps with the type 1. Regards, Rob

Hi Bill, I would agree that you have definitely managed to obtain a type 1. I would also be checking the solder joint on the suspension ring as well to see if it corresponds with that seen on others. Interestingly enough I also have two type 1 vics to members of the Labour Corps. Is there a common thread here with members having a parent corps and then moving onto the Labour Corps later? Good pick up. Regards, Rob

To all, The addition of any reference material, including updated illustrated books, are a welcome addition to the collecting fraternity. I am sure there will be many on this forum that will benefit from such a reference. Regards, Rob

Hi Lambert, There are sometimes, but not always, extra markings on the rim in addition to the 'MADE IN FRANCE' mark. If there aren't any extra markings that is okay as well. All in all you have a good specimen. Regards, Rob