RobW

Hello Lambert, Yes; it is the wide variety that makes collecting these items interesting. When I have time I will post a pic of an Italian war commemorative mini with four dated year bars. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, Nice group. It is interesting that the war medal has what appears to be two palms with 'A' or 'L' monogram on them; instead of the miniature dated year bars. These dated year bars are quite difficult to find. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a relative close-up of an official Greek vic, sans ribbon. This should aid others in identifying distinguishing features. Regards, Rob

Hello Ulsterman, Yes it is a bronze material, although of a very much lighter tone than the original issue. The planchet is a bit thinner as well. I have seen this particular strike referred to as an 'un-numbered unofficial' strike. I don't see why it would have been necessary given that there are certainly a large amount of original numbered examples in the market. Regards, Rob

Hello Bob, Nice group. Being a specialist victory medal collector are there any markings on the victory medal? I would expect to see at least '@' and possibly 'SACCHINI' or 'SJ'. Regards, Rob

Here is another New York State World War 1 Service Medal. It differs from that posted earlier (post # 31). The wear to the ribbon notwithstanding, it is suspended by a different brooch noticeable on the reverse. In addition there are numerous die differences, on both the obverse and reverse. There is also no serial number on the reverse. Especially noticeable is the different font style with the country names in raised letters compared to incised lettering on the earlier example. The wire suspender is considerably thinner than the earlier example and the medal has a much lighter bronze finish. It is possible that this example is a later re-strike or re-issue of the earlier release. It would be interesting to hear from our US collectors on this. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is a 1917-1918 War Service medal, from the City of Manchester, New Hampshire. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, I have had a closer look at my collection and have discovered a couple of other awards. I shall post them a bit later. One appears to be a re-strike of the New York State Service medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, What is also interesting about this group is that the unofficial 'La Medaille des Combattants de la Marne' is mounted at the front of the group. This unofficial Marne medal was created in August 1937 so you would expect to see it mounted toward the end of the group next to the unofficial wound medal. The recipient obviously valued his service on the Marne. An interesting miniature group with a story to tell no doubt. Regards, Rob

Hello Jeff, Thanks for the information. It appears, at least anecdotally, that the medal was most likely issued to the recipient around the same time as his victory medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Ulsterman, Thanks for the re-direction. I am aware that, apart from those that are directly attributed to an individual, there are also numbered NY State service medals that were not actually issued. Time will tell to see who this specific medal was awarded to. Regards, Rob

Hello Ulsterman, Yes the NY State service medal is numbered. It is: No. 13879. It can be seen at the top of the reverse immediately below the suspension ring. Regards, Rob

Hello Lambert, This is the only US state award I have. It is actually part of a larger group to a US serviceman from the 1st Division. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is my New York State World War 1 Service Medal. I particularly like the reverse showing the country names where personnel from the State served. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, You are correct in your thinking that this uniface medal was produced during the gap between the releasing of the Ministerial Instruction authorising the French victory medal in 1919 and the actual production of such medal in 1922. I have seen the uniface medal in a number of French Great War groups and they are always make such groups interesting. I have such a French group in my collection. If I can dig it out I will post a picture. I have also seen a few mounted inside picture frames; which would go some way to explaining the thinness of the medal. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Thanks for the picture. The size and style of the text matches one that I have. Regards, Rob

Hello Bill, Are you able to take a picture of the MADE IN FRANCE marking on the rim? Regards, Rob

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