RobW

Do any other collectors have a different perpective to that posted above? Regards, Rob

Hello Kevin, It is difficult to determine from the close-up, and as you have the original photo in hand what category do you assess the vic is? * official or unofficial? Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Which three are you missing? Rob

Hello Bill, It might be advantageous to get a picture of the ribbon and post it in the vic ribbons thread for later reference. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Yes; what is definitely interesting is the addition of the Revolution Cross bars. While there is a nice spread of bars from the three different countries (France, Russia, and Italy) it is the appearance of the PERONNE bar that catches the eye. Péronne is situated in the Somme valley, and while this particular bar is mentioned in the Vaclav Mericka reference books it is very rarely seen. That may attribute some of the interest. All in all a nice piece. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Thanks for the link. I would agree; an interesting piece. Although it is a bit difficult to tell from the overall picture the item does indeed look like a Belgian unofficial type 2 (Riemer) variety. I have seen other pieces that look the same and have the same large ring-cylinder suspender. It also has the correct unwatered ribbon from the period. It is not altogether unusual to see the Czech produced Belgian vics with ribbon attachments. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert & Bill, The variety with the cylinder suspender is seen much less often than that of the barrel suspender. Regards, Rob

To all, I have copied a post by Lambert from the Japanese vic sub-forum for all to view. Given the variety and myriad of vics from the many countries, and the geographical spread of collectors there will naturally be different perspectives on the relative scarcity or otherwise of the vic series. It would be interesting if other collectors could post their own interpretations and/or thoughts on the relative scarcity of each countries official, unofficial, re-issue and reproductions. This may, at least, give other collectors an idea as to the probability or availability of locating such pieces. Whilst I have not been collecting vics as long as some others, I would agree with Lambert's listing with the following addition: Romania: Official Type, Unofficial Type 1, 2, 3, 3a. (Scarce in good condition with the unofficial type 3a very rare) Let's see other views. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, You might like to re-post your complete list reply in the General Discussion area for all to view across the series. Regards, Rob

The first one is always the start of the slippery slope! If you stick to just the 'official' issues this will an 'interesting' challenge to obtain a type-set. If you then decide to branch out to the unofficial, re-issues, and reproductions, things become even more challenging. Have fun. Regards, Rob

Hello RelicHunter, Welcome to the thread. Always good to have new participants to contribute. Yes, a nice example that has little wear. Did you obtain it by itself of complete with the box? Regards, Rob

And another, this time with a 1967 date bar. Regards, Rob

Here is another with a 1966 date bar. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Thanks for posting. That is a nice Romanian unofficial variety, with good detail. You will find that some of the unofficial Romanian varieties are becoming harder to find, with the unofficial type 3a being particularly difficult. They are seen rarely. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Interesting statistics on the ribbons. Yes, the official greek vic would have come on French ribbon. The Romanian official vic has also been seen on a French ribbon. The unofficial types 1, 2, 3, and 3a have been seen on a variety of local Romanian produced ribbons. The colours, tones and widths vary as a result. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is another example, albeit less a date bar. Regards, Rob

Hello Mel, A nice mini you have. What is the diameter of the piece as French mini's are found in a number of different sizes? Regards, Rob

To all, Here is my contribution to this fascinating thread. A Republic of Vietnam campaign medal with the 1949-54 date bar. It is of local manufacture. I have a number of these that have different date bars. When I can track them down I shall post some pics. Regards, Rob

Lambert, Have a look at ebay France. They seem to have a number of Czech items on a regular basis. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, As you have surmised the ribbon is indeed of Belgian manufacture, seen on the official vic. Regards, Rob

While we are on the subject of Belgian vics here are some pics of an unofficial type 2, by Riemer. The 'R' makers mark is clearly identifiable on the reverse, just below the central wreath. Regards, Rob

Hello Mel, A nice example. The greased wrapper paper appears to be in good condition as well. A good find. Be careful, as vics can become terribly addictive! Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Are there any markings on the rim? If there is a BRONZE mark or any other makers mark that may indicate French production. Regards, Rob

Hello James, Thanks for the clarification. Given the wide variety of ribbon attachments for this medal I originally thought it may have been another attachment not previously seen. Regards, Rob