Belgium Albert "A" Palm Devices

[Tim B]

Here's a simple question; I've noticed different style palm devices for the Albert era awards and want to know are these differences simply due to manufacturers, or is there a pattern due to time period or specific types for specific awards?

Here's some examples that I've come across:

The silver ones on top are virtually the same with very minor differences. I see these types mostly on the Art 4 and Leopold I decorations, sometimes on the Croix de Guerre's (in bronze of course) and they are cut out much more than the other types.

The Art 4 medals seem to have a wide variety and I wonder if they relate to the different patterns (in relation to the type of "A") of that medal?

Any ideas?

Tim

Edited October 10, 2009 by Tim B

[Riley1965]

Here's a simple question; I've noticed different style palm devices for the Albert era awards and want to know are these differences simply due to manufacturers, or is there a pattern due to time period or specific types for specific awards?

Here's some examples that I've come across:

The silver ones on top are virtually the same with very minor differences. I see these types mostly on the Art 4 and Leopold I decorations, sometimes on the Croix de Guerre's (in bronze of course) and they are cut out much more than the other types.

The Art 4 medals seem to have a wide variety and I wonder if they relate to the different patterns (in relation to the type of "A") of that medal?

Any ideas?

Tim

This is the first time that I have seen these "A" devices. I have a collection of Belgium medals but no "a" device. I new hunt for me...

Doc

Edited October 11, 2009 by Riley1965

[Gldank]

I have many in my collection too. They are different due to different manufactures.

[Tim B]

Okay, thanks guys!

I assume, by the lack of any negative comments, that all the shown variations are in fact genuine period type palms?

The Type 4 at the bottom will soon be one of the items arriving at my door; not especially keen on the palm style, but I have seen a gold palm of the same design on a Belgian WW1 CdG as well. But hey, it's an ART 4 w/palm!

Tim

[Tim B]

Thought I would continue with some closeups of a couple of palms to show varieties and construction. Hope others will post some of their examples as well!

Tim

Here's a Gilt palm (with Albert A) with no cutouts.

[Tim B]

Reverse:

[Tim B]

Here's a nice silver version (Albert A) with cutouts. :love:

[Tim B]

Reverse; Interesting with the center support bar. I assume this was probably a later modification to strenghten the palm as they were pretty flimsy with the cutout material and prone to breaking as evidenced below (next post).

Tim

Edited November 8, 2009 by Tim B

[Tim B]

Here's one on an Albert era Article 4 Decoration. This palm with the cutouts does not have the support bar across the back and as you can see, the palm broke on the right tip (reverse pin missing this end). Nice sewing job.

Tim

[Gldank]

Most likely the attachment pin broke off the back and the Vet did not have a replacement so had it reattached with thread. Are there holes in the ribbon behind the sewn palm?

Here's one on an Albert era Article 4 Decoration. This palm with the cutouts does not have the support bar across the back and as you can see, the palm broke on the right tip (reverse pin missing this end). Nice sewing job.

Tim

Edited November 8, 2009 by Gldank

[Tim B]

Most likely the attachment pin broke off the back and the Vet did not have a replacement so had it reattached with thread. Are there holes in the ribbon behind the sewn palm?

Yes, exactly. One pin remains and the other one (below where the palm is broken) is missing. I see this quite often with palms on Croix de Guerre (both French and Belgian).

Tim

[Tim B]

Hi,

And yet again, another style of Albert palm(s).

Tim

[Gldank]

Hi,

And yet again, another style of Albert palm(s).

Tim

These palms look French made. Remove the "A" and you have a French CdG Palm! Interesting!

[Tim B]

These palms look French made. Remove the "A" and you have a French CdG Palm! Interesting!

Hi James,

Yes, almost the same type of setup (palm & lion style) shown on Bill Simpson's site under "The Great War".

Tim

[Tim B]

Thought I would add an update here. Another Croix de Guerre with the palms and Lion devices. This one on a more current strike (circa 50's-60's). The lower palm is more of a hollow strike, where the top palm is solid and about three times as thick.

Tim

Edited January 24, 2010 by Tim B

[Tim B]

Probably a veteran's replacement medal.

Here's a shot of the palm edges. The top palm is thought to be a more modern strike.

Tim

[RobW]

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

[RobW]

And the close-up.

Rob

[Noor]

Here is my one and only A Palm device on the ribbon bar:

[Noor]

close up;

[Tim B]

Nice additions guys!

Are there anymore out there?

Tim

[Tim B]

Another early bronze palm and a very nicely detailed lion!

Tim

[Tim B]

Those single lions are certainly better looking than the style on the round disc.

[Gldank]

Here are a few to share

Edited October 13, 2010 by Gldank

[Gldank]

Here is a WWII issue to a Belgian Pilot