RobW

Hey Tim, I wouldn't even bother trying to find an original 1920 version. Hard copy of the current reprint book - US $20 from Amazon. Rob

Hello Tim, Call me old fashioned but I prefer the 'dead tree' variety. I find it easier if I have to constantly refer to something, to be able to turn around, reach to my references on the bookshelf, and peruse them in a meandering sort of way. The exception to that rule is my barely recognisable 2nd Edition of Mr Laslo's book. There is only so much emendation that can be done on a paper copy of a book before you turn to keeping the additions in electronic format. Rob

And the close-up of the obverse, showing the die flaw running through the wreath and crown. Regards, Rob

To all, I recently picked up this Greek War Medal 1940-41 with the Army reverse. Whilst this is probably a common enough award, that was produced in sizable quantities, when the item arrived I noted a large die flaw line running almost three-quarters the circumference of the wreath on the obverse. A close inspection of the obverse shows a die flaw running from the bottom centre around the left side wreath (as viewed) straight through the crown at the centre top and down the first half of the right side wreath (as viewed). While there are no major die flaws on the reverse it is evident that there has been an off-centre die strike leaving an uneven rim present. These flaws are in addition to an off-centre axis suspender and ribbon ring which has almost broken through the front of the suspender. As far as my references indicate there are 5 strikings of this medal with minor variations. While I don't think it is significant other than to show that manufacturing flaws do occur it is interesting to me nonetheless. As I know little about Greek medals has anyone else seen such a die flaw? Close up of the obverse to follow. Regards, Rob

To all, As an aide for researchers of US vics there has been a recent reprint of one of the major US War Department publications from the 1920s relating to Battle Participation of the AEF in France, Belgium and Italy. As a listing of the specific battles and campaign participation is relatively synonymous with the latter battle clasps to the US vic it is a handy source of information. This publication is a reprint of the original May 1920 War Department issue, and was produced by the University of Michigan Library. It is available through a large US based online retailer. Many thanks to forum member 'JM' for bringing this to my attention. Here is a pic of the cover for reference. Regards, Rob

And the close-up. Rob

Hello Tim, Here is my contribution. It is from my Belgian group of 4 which has been previously posted. On viewing this thread I went back to the group and had a closer look at the CdG and palm, and it does indeed have cut-outs. It does appear to look the same as that posted by you in #7. Close-up of the palm to follow. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is one of my favourite Belgian groups, with a CdG and palm. This has previously been posted under the Belgian victory medal post as I'm primarily a victory medal collector. Regards, Rob

Tim, If you head across to the following excellent web-site, run by a very knowledgeable French gentleman Pierre-Yves Raynier, it does provide a very comprehensive area on the Verdun medal. The site is all in French so if you can read French it's all good; if not the web-auto translators do a sufficient job. In particular your specimen is illustrated with the mark you have inquired about belonging to Paul Leclére (a medals manufacturer of the 1920's). Here is the site: http://www.medailles...medailledd.html Hope this helps. Regards, Rob

Hello Bison, Thanks for the confirmation. I have also posted a request on a French forum so I am hoping for other eyes to also see. Regards, Rob

To all, A fellow collector in France has assisted with the identification. The first and third medals have Delande marks while the second mark remains unidentified. My thanks to Christophe. Tim; no idea on your square mark. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is the latest arrival. I think it closely similar but again different to that posted in #1. It has a slightly larger ball suspender that is raised a little above the medal most likely as a result of the solder joint. The sword hilts and blades look similar and there seems to be the same larger shield and doubled-headed eagle on the reverse. Happy for all thoughts and opinions. Regards, Rob

And here are the box pics. The cardboard boxes are not very robust and have a habit of breaking. Note the V. Canale marking on the inside of the box lid. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is an official Greek vic with the original French ribbon. It was produced by the Paris firm of Victor Canale. The Henry NOCQ designers mark is just noticeable on the lower left of the obverse rim. The original ribbon is particularly fragile and often falls to pieces if handled too much. If you can obtain a specimen with this type of ribbon; do so as even the Greek collectors have indicated that they have had to revert to the more commonly seen French ribbon off the French vic. The ribbon is also seen with the standard two pin attachment on the back but in this case it is gone. The pins were long enough to scratch and mark the reverse of the medal and so were often removed. It was delivered in a plain cardboard and green pasted paper box with the V. Canale firm stamp on the inside lid. This example has a slight two-tone appearance and patina which, to my mind, adds to the character. Pics of the box to follow. Regards, Rob

To one and all, As there has been a distinct lack of activity here are a couple of vic items which have been referred to previously but not yet posted. I hope this new year will bring some more posters amongst the sea of watchers. Regards, Rob

Different medal. The last rim with very similar square mark but with different BRONZE mark. Regards, Rob

Different medal. Another rim with similar square mark and the same sort of BRONZE mark within a square edge. Regards, Rob

Here is the Pautot-Mattei planchet medal rim with square mark and BRONZE within a square edge. Two more rim pics to follow. Regards, Rob

To one and all, I have a French makers mark question which I hope you can all help with. Last year I picked up a planchet medal that has a square hallmark and BRONZE inscribed on the edge. The planchet medal has the M. Pautot obverse and L.O. Mattei reverse and is 46 mm in diameter, as per the pic. While I am reasonably confident that the makers mark belongs to M. Delande I would appreciate any other, or dissenting opinions. In addition to this particular planchet medal I have a couple of other French medals that have similar square hallmarks which have so far eluded positive identification. I would appreciate any ideas. Regards, Rob

A delayed response to Peter, For the sake of completeness here is another better full length scan of an italian official type 2 (S. Johnson-Milano) vic with the 'Impero' style ribbon. Regards, Rob

To all, Here is my single contribution. It is a little different to that posted by Jacky (# 40) in that the ribbon colours are a bit more muted in a pinkish red, with the green stripes particularly dark. A check of the ribbon on the inside and back shows that the front hadn't faded that much. The palm is of the earlier type with the inverted 'L's. Regards, Rob

Hello Nicholas, You are indeed right, that is a very nice group. While my knowledge of Greek medals is not good I have attempted to identify the individual awards in this Navy group. Have I got this correct? I am unsure of no 12 as the image is a bit small. * Order Of The Redeemer * Order of King George I * Order Of The Phoenix * War Cross 1940 * Royal Navy Campaign Cross * Medal for Outstanding Acts 1940 (with 2nd award small crown) * Greek-Turkish War Medal 1912-13 * Greek-Bulgarian War Medal 1913 * Greek Interallied Victory Medal * Commemorative Medal of the War of 1940-41 * Commemorative Medal of the War of 1941-45 * Unidentified * French Order of Maritime Merit ?? * French Légion d'honneur While it is a little off-topic was there ever a campaign medal awarded for the Greek-Turkish war 1919-1922 (Asia Minor Campaign)? Regards, Rob

Hello Nicholas, It would appear that I was a bit too quick on the draw. The vendor in question has decided to forgo selling the items for reasons best known to himself. Thus the search continues... You were correct in the assessment of the group; It comprised both Balkan war medals, the Greek victory medal and a French Croix de Guerre. Thanks for the pics of the gentlemen in uniform as they are good for reference. It does seem that Greek Balkan Wars and Great War groups do not appear that often. Are there many examples of groups spanning both the Great War (WW1) and then later service in World War 2? It is seen with British Great War groups but I haven't seen that many Greek groups spanning both World Wars. As far as the Order Of The Redeemer is concerned how regularly was it awarded during the Balkan wars and Great War and was it a rank based award? Regards, Rob

Hello Nicholas, Yes thanks that was definitely of assistance. I recently picked up a small 4 group to a Greek officer from the Balkans war (1912-13) with a French Croix de Guerre as well hence the inquiry. All 4 in the group are separate, with very poor and tattered ribbons so I was considering court mounting them with better ribbons to display them as a complete group. Are there any measurements, top to bottom, width etc... I should be aware of?? The next challenge will be to find the appropriate Greek ribbons in good condition in a length long enough for mounting but that is another story! A picture of a Greek officers group in the Balkans War or Great War period mounted would be of great assistance. What were the backs of the medal group covered with? Regards, Rob

Hello again Thomas, It's good to see someone else posting items, apart from the usual suspects! The myriad of possible combinations of battle clasps on the US vic is something that makes it interesting. As has been mentioned here in the past on this thread, a battle clasp matrix is a good starting point, but doesn't cover all the possible variations and so should be used as a guide. It is a good guide nonetheless and we are forever seeing clasp combinations that don't seem to fit the rules. It is this variety which draws the attention. Thanks for posting the pic of yours. Regards, Rob