Thanks for reply. I have no problem in accepting the original owner "upgraded" his FAM by adding a gold plate onto a bronze medal. I must state I have found no spot on the medal that has wore down to the base metal. But then, I must ask, why not do the same to the War Assistance Cross (ie: Silver plate) or "upgrade" the Combatant's Cross to gold? The second problem I have is the timing. Presence of the Combatant Cross puts this medal bar post-1934. Given the economic turmoil in Germany - is it reasonable that someone with only these 3 awards would have the financial ability to spend their money on gold plating a FA Medal?
I'm still thinking there must be another explaination... Error? Unknown Grade? (Does anyone else have a gold FAM medal?) Award to relative of Saxon or another German Monarchy?
