Belgium Ijzer medal - Belgium / public thank you

[Tim B]

James,

Appears you were correct, here is another on a Yser Cross that has the same fourragere and tip.

Tim

[Gldank]

Here is a French one.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Gldank

[Tim B]

Thought I would show off a new addition, and so very happy I was able match up to the beautiful Yser Medal I already had with the Fourragere & Mother's (Widow's) Bar. All thanks to a very special lady and Belgian ODM collector!

Tim

[Tim B]

Just a beautiful piece. :love:

[Tim B]

Last shot of this one.

Tim

[Tim B]

The Cross has a very light greenish surface patina, almost like a green verdigris tarnish you see on bronze (similar to that seen on statues).

Here's another Yser medal and I have seen these before with the bronze highlights quite evident. Really a sharp contrast with the bronze standing out against the backround. Do you think these might be specific to a different maker?

Tim

[Tim B]

I really like these!

Tim

Next up; another cross with the Flemish ribbon! Wait for it....! :lol:

[Gldank]

Very nice Tim. I really like theses medals too. The green tint is a coating applied to the medal rather than turning that way due to age. Makes the medal and cross look rustic. I also have several Flemish medals and crosses in my collection. Here is one.

[Tim B]

The green tint is a coating applied to the medal rather than turning that way due to age. Makes the medal and cross look rustic. I also have several Flemish medals and crosses in my collection. Here is one.

Excellent James!

Yes, I thought the finish was that way, almost a mint look to it but, I really like the ones with the bronze highlights; so classic. Beautiful medals.

Tim

[Tim B]

As promised; The medal including ribbon is in excellent condition!

Tim

[Tim B]

Love the patina and those bronze highlights! :beer:

[Tim B]

Rev.

[Tim B]

Here's a question for those in the know; I have seen gilded miniatures of the Yser Cross but, were there full size Yser Medals/Cross in gilt as well? Perhaps items specially made or refinshed for those requesting it?

Tim

[Gldank]

The answer is NO but if you have the money, you can do anything...

Here's a question for those in the know; I have seen gilded miniatures of the Yser Cross but, were there full size Yser Medals/Cross in gilt as well? Perhaps items specially made or refinshed for those requesting it?

Tim

[Tim B]

Hi James,

Yes, amazing what can be done, not sure why though?

Tim

[Tim B]

Appears to have beautiful details and almost like it was not something regilded, but originally made this way.

Tim

[Gldank]

Well, the historical importance of the Battle of the Yser is twofold. First, Germany did not manage to defeat the Belgian army and knock Belgium out of the war. Second, the German failure to occupy the last corner of Belgium helped to conclude the Race to the Sea and contributed to the establishment of the Western front.

For the Flemish the struggle of the Belgian army to hold on to its territory during the remainder of the war, and especially the experiences of ordinary Flemish foot soldiers, led to an increased Flemish national consciousness in the then overwhelmingly Franco-dominated Belgian society.

A great medal awarded for a bitter campaign. Maybe it should have been issued in gilt.

[belgoman]

Hallo guys, here a phto of a soldier wearing the mini fourragère on his uniforme model 1928.

best regards, Belgoman

[Gldank]

Here is a pin that is rather interesting that was worn on civilian clothes. A friend has it with the medal in his collection. James

[IrishGunner]

Good opportunity to revive this thread with my piece...

[TacHel]

I'll see your medal and raise you a cross...

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3030-0-91444400-1388967021.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3030-0-22243200-1388967055.jpg

[Gldank]

I will reraise you with a medal bar

Edited August 5, 2014 by Gldank

[Stuka f]

...with a box... ...

[Stuka f]

Here is a pin that is rather interesting that was worn on civilian clothes. A friend has it with the medal in his collection. James

Never saw that one!

Any chance to get more details, please? (back pic, measuremants and a pic of your friend's medal?)

cheers

|<ris