French Victory Medals

[Kev in Deva]

As

we start out, we can use this thread for French Victory Medals, cases,

award documents, variations in medals/ribbons, etc. This is a good area

to show the other unofficial versions (Pautot, Charles, etc.) as well.

Tim

My French Victory Medal:-

Kevin in Deva.

Edited February 23, 2013 by IrishGunner

[Kev in Deva]

French Mini Victory's:-

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2009/post-950-1247583547.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2009/post-950-1247583688.jpg

Size left to right:-

11mm, 13mm, 10.5mm and 13mm.

Kevin in Deva. :beer:

Edited July 15, 2009 by Kev in Deva

[Tim B]

Arriving late to the party as usual.

I have several and not all are photographed at this point, but I'll post the ones I have.

Tim

French:

[RobW]

To all,

Here is one of my latest acquisitions. Identified by Mr Laslo's reference as the French unofficial type 2a 'uniface' variety. This item is not often seen and is considered rare even in France.

The item is 36.5 mm in diameter. There are no edge markings or BRONZE on the rim.

Regards,

Rob

[RobW]

To all,

I have just picked up the following item; a uniface French official vic. Having never seen one before I was surprised when I found it.

The reverse is universally smooth somewhat negating the possibility of it having been erased and the planchet is thinner which is consistent with other French uniface models.

Has anyone else seen such a variety?

Regards,

Rob

Edited September 20, 2009 by RobW

[RobW]

It seems that things are a bit quiet here at the moment so here is another uniface vic.

It was produced by an, as yet, unidentified French manufacturer. It is classed as either a Belgian unofficial model or a French unofficial model.

This one has a very lovely deep toned patina on both the obverse and reverse.

Regards,

Rob

Edited September 22, 2009 by RobW

[RobW]

To all,

Here is yet another vic; this time a French official model. While it looks like the standard model of note is the makers mark on the reverse. In this case it is a triangle inscribed with 'JB' which is the mark of 'Janvier Berchot'. They produced the French official vic in addition to the Paris mint.

Close-up of the reverse to follow.

Regards,

Rob

Edited September 27, 2009 by RobW

[RobW]

And the close-up.

Regards,

Rob

[RobW]

To all,

Here is a small group of French mini's as follows:

* Medaille Militaire

* War Cross with star

* Victory medal (11 mm)

* War Commemorative Medal 1914-18

* Unofficial wound medal

What I found interesting is the different size medals on the one bar. In this case the French vic is 11 mm in diameter. French mini's are found in a number of different sizes ranging between 11mm, 13mm and 18mm. The vic almost looks out of place next to the larger other mini's.

Close-ups of the vic to follow.

Regards,

Rob

Edited October 5, 2009 by RobW

[RobW]

And the reverse.

[RobW]

Here are the close-ups.

I am impressed by the level of detail that is here on a mini that is but 11 mm across. Although it is difficult to see on this scan just noticeable is the designers name 'A. Morlon' on the obverse.

This level of detail and attention to design is a hallmark of the quality and workmanship of earlier period medals, including miniatures. Sometimes that is sadly lacking in the current contemporary productions.

Regards,

Rob

[johnnymac]

I have a question on the French official issue VM. I have not been able find out what mint used the triangle marking. In reading all that has been posted on this site, I did find this,



"Here is yet another vic; this time a French official model. While it looks like the standard model of note is the makers mark on the reverse. In this case it is a triangle inscribed with 'JB' which is the mark of 'Janvier Berchot'. They produced the French official vic in addition to the Paris mint".



My question is, is this triangle JB's mark? Or is the triangle a different mink mark without JB's influence?









Thanks, JM

Edited February 16, 2013 by IrishGunner

[Tim B]

Hi John,

Impossible to tell with those PICS, but I would assume at this point it is a J&B mark.

Here's a comparison of two J&B marks on two of my Combattants Cross'; note the triangle is slightly different and one is easy to read "JB" in the center, while the other you can't tell without looping it.

Tim

Edited November 12, 2009 by Tim B

[Tim B]

A closeup of the one on the right. Maybe a different die or an earlier strike when the die was new?

Tim

[Tim B]

:off topic: While we're on maker's marks...

Anyone know this one with a diamond? Strike looks incredibly sharp!

Tim

[Tim B]

Unfortunately, I don't own the piece and this is the best I can do for now. :blush:

[Tim B]

Another one while we're asking...

It's not the Monaisse de Paris cornucopia.

Tim

[RobW]

I have a question on the French official issue VM. I have not been able find out what mint used the triangle marking. In reading all that has been posted on this site, I did find this,

"Here is yet another vic; this time a French official model. While it looks like the standard model of note is the makers mark on the reverse. In this case it is a triangle inscribed with 'JB' which is the mark of 'Janvier Berchot'. They produced the French official vic in addition to the Paris mint".

My question is, is this triangle JB's mark? Or is the triangle a different mink mark without JB's influence?

Thanks, JM

JM,

This particular official French vic was also produced by the firm of Janvier Berchot. While the more regularly seen JB mintmark has the strongly incused 'JB' within the triangle in this case the JB letters on the hallmark are less distinct and often result in them being worn or rubbed down. In some other cases it is just the plain triangle.

Here is one for comparison.

Regards,

Rob

Edited November 12, 2009 by RobW

[RobW]

While we're on maker's marks...

Anyone know this one with a diamond? Strike looks incredibly sharp!

Tim

Tim,

The only makers mark that I know of that is a diamond shape is one produced by Arthus Bertrand of Paris. This particular mark was used from 1917. I'm not sure if this helps.

Regards,

Rob

[Tim B]

Hi Rob,

Yes, I have noticed the maker's marks on the Victory Medals are raised unlike the other medals, and being so small, easily rubbed off from wear. I only have one with the cornucopia on it and that's pretty distingushable.

On the Commemorative Medal, hard to say as the mark looks different than the Bertrand image you posted but, PICs can be deceiving too. I guess the only way is to find one and get it in hand.

A new (another ) hunt!

Tim

Edited November 12, 2009 by Tim B

[johnnymac]

Another one while we're asking...

It's not the Monaisse de Paris cornucopia.

Tim

Hi Tim, I am sorry for not getting back to you sooner, but my internet service when down for three days, due to"Storm IDA". I live in a flood area in the state of Delaware, USA. I see that Rob has already posted the medal and photos of the French medal in question. I am also posting a clearer photo of the French triangle mark. I thank you both for your help. JohnnyMac

[johnnymac]

JM,

This particular official French vic was also produced by the firm of Janvier Berchot. While the more regularly seen JB mintmark has the strongly incused 'JB' within the triangle in this case the JB letters on the hallmark are less distinct and often result in them being worn or rubbed down. In some other cases it is just the plain triangle.

Here is one for comparison.

Regards,

Rob

Hi Rob I just sent Tim a reply and I also want to thank you for your relay, you wereright on the marking and medal, thanks again JohnnyMac

[RobW]

To all,

Here is a French unofficial type 2 in silvered-bronze. Not common or seen that often. It has the correct hallmark and BRONZE impressed on the planchet edge.

Regards,

Rob

Edited December 15, 2009 by RobW

[johnnymac]

To all,

Here is a French unofficial type 2 in silvered-bronze. Not common or seen that often. It has the correct hallmark and BRONZE impressed on the planchet edge.

Regards,

Rob

To all,

This is the French unofficial type 1, But this one is not silvered.

JM

[johnnymac]

To all,

This is the French unofficial type 1, But this one is not silvered.

JM