Hi Marcus, Gordon & Darrell. I agree mate I prefer to have pieces in great condition the way they would have looked like when they were awarded, so thats what I choose to accquire. In fact Marcus I am exactly like you I prefer them in packets etc Maybe as Gordon says an 1870 or 1813 I wouldnt touch but I dont see the problem with WW2 pieces - after all this is how they were suppossed to look like in the first place BTW I think your spanish cross looks excellent in the after photos Regards Craig