RobW

To all, Here is another one. In this case it is produced by the Paris firm of Janvier-Berchot. The triangle shaped mark on this example is unusually off-set from the centre. Regards, Rob

Here is a close-up of the mark. The Arthus Bertrand mark has, over the years, had a number of different markings but in this case it is 'A B & Cie'. The marks have also been seen in a diamond as well as a square format with the same internal marks. Regards, Rob

Here is a close up of the reverse. Regards, Rob

To continue, here is another War Commemorative Medals; this time with the makers mark of Arthus Bertrand. Arthus Bertrand produced this official strike as well as another example which is characterised by a different suspender. Regards, Rob

Hello Makedon, I have checked the decoration, including the suspension ring, and can find no makers marks or what could be interpreted as a makers mark. Is there any location in particular that such marks would be? Regards, Rob

Hello Timo, It looks like the DEFENSIVE SECTOR clasp has the remnant of spacers on the bottom. Could you have a closer look and see if it looks like there was spacers that have been subsequently removed. It should be clear from the side or reverse. Some examples of US vics have been seen with DEFENSIVE SECTOR clasps that have spacers. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is another Order of the Redeemer piece in my collection. It has a number of differences from that previously posted insofar as the surrounding wreath is much thicker, and the portrait on the obverse is different. I would appreciate any ideas as to the manufacturer. Regards, Rob

And here is a close-up of the marks on the reverse. As I locate more examples of this medal from my collection I shall post them here. Regards, Rob

This example is a later strike at 11.5 mm in diameter. Of note is that the Paris mint cornucopia and BR marks are present on the reverse. This example is part of a larger group of 9 French mini's. Regards, Rob

This example is not much larger at 13.2 mm in diameter. Regards, Rob

To change the direction a little here are some miniatures of the War Commemorative Medal. Such nice detail for items that are so small. The first one is but 11.2 mm in diameter. All measurements are taken from the widest point of the planchet and not the wreath suspender. Regards, Rob

What is interesting about this medal is that the 'Engagé Volontaire' bar is also maker marked. It has the letter 'M' [Monnaie de Paris] on the reverse, so it would appear that the mint marked more than just their medals. I have another commemorative medal in my collection with the 'Engagé Volontaire' bar that has very slight design differences and it does not have the makers mark on the reverse as per this example. Regards, Rob

Here is a close-up of the mark. As indicated by Bison in the other thread it is assessed that this mark (a C and L superimposed over each other) is also that of Léon Chalin's mark but this has not been confirmed. It would be good if someone else could confirm this. Regards, Rob

Here is a close up of the reverse. Regards, Rob

To continue, here is one of my War Commemorative Medals with a similar makers mark. It also has an 'Engagé Volontaire' bar as well. Regards, Rob

And here is the corrected picture, provided by Bison showing the mark of L, an anchor, C. On reflection it was immediately noticeable once I observed the medal from a different angle under a strong light. Sometimes it is all that it takes to make a positive identification. Again my thanks go to Bison for pointing this out. Regards, Rob

This is the mark of Léon Chalin. Many thanks to Bison for this identification and the added detail that on occasion the makers mark was inverted.

Here is a close up of the reverse. Regards, Rob

Next is from the Paris maker Léon Chalin. To my untrained eye it is a much more defined strike than that seen by the Monnaie de Paris. Regards, Rob

And a close-up of the Paris Mint mark with BR. Regards, Rob

Here is a close-up of the reverse. Regards, Rob

I'll start this with an example from the Paris Mint. This is usually the most commonly encountered example. Regards, Rob

Hello all, While there is currently a thread in this same area on French makers marks / hallmarks and guarantee stamps I thought it relevant to start a specific thread on the many different varieties of the French medal commemorating the Great War. The other thread can capture all the myriad French makers marks but I think it is a good idea to highlight all the different varieties of this very striking and yet simple medal. As far as available records show the medal was produced by at least 5 different French manufacturers, with a US produced model as well. In addition there is the differently design model by C.Charles and the accepted design with a different suspender by Arthus Bertrand. Such variety with a single commemorative medal makes for an interesting collecting field. I will post pics of all the varieties in my collection as I manage to locate them. The format will be the same with a general pic, followed by close-up pics where appropriate. It would be good if others could post theirs as well. Regards, Rob

Hello Tim and all, Thanks for the re-direction. Something that always fascinates me about French awards is the multitude of manufacturers and variations that are to be found. It is certainly, as others have said, a large minefield to enter but then this is what also makes it so interesting. It is a pity that such miniature groups are not attributed as I'm sure there would be a story to tell. Being primarily a vic collector I am seemingly forever being sidetracked when I come across French items and groups. The diversity catches the attention. Regards, Rob

Hello Rich, Thanks for the clarification. I had worked out that the CdG was not on the Vichy ribbon as I mentioned in the initial post. I just found it odd that it was a Vichy CdG on the normal ribbon. You mention that it is an impossible group if complete entitlement. Other than the WW2 Commemorative medal what other awards would be considered correct? Regards, Rob