RAD Long Service Medal - Opinions Please

[AlecH]

Hello Gentlemen,

I've been offered this silver RAD 12 year service medal, I really don't know too much about these. I would be grateful for any information and opinions from members. as to whether this one is original or a copy.

Best Wishes

[tyanacek]

Hello Alec,

I would not care to have the one you show. In my opinion, neither the medal nor the ribbon is original. I prefer the examples that are very lightweight and made of cupal (copper-clad aluminum). These lightweight types hold their finish well and will look almost as nice, today, as when they were made. The detail is also very crisp.

Best regards,

Tom

[tyanacek]

... and the reverse:

[Wood]

I agree.

Pete

[AlecH]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for the post, pictures and information, I follow what you wrote, one point could you clear up, I take it the 12 year medals copper plated, then given a silver coat. However your post is much appreciated.

Best Wishes

[tyanacek]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for the post, pictures and information, I follow what you wrote, one point could you clear up, I take it the 12 year medals copper plated, then given a silver coat. However your post is much appreciated.

Best Wishes

Hello Alec,

Sorry about the confusion. Cupal is a composite material made up of about 90% aluminum and 10% copper. It is an aluminum core surrounded by a layer of copper. Not copper plate, but aluminum covered by a jacket of copper as with copper-jacketed bullets. The cupal would then be plated: bronze plating for the 4-year medal and silver plating for the 12-year medal. It is the copper jacket that allows the cupal to take the plating and stand the test of time.

Best regards,

Tom

[Ulsterman]

A useful test is to drop it from @ 4 inches onto concrete. A real one will go "clink". A fake will go go "thud". However, zinc ones were made. ...so it's a factor, not an absolute determinant.

[M Hunter]

Sorry to infringe on this thread but do these two look like period originals?

Is this correct?

Bronze = 4 year

Silver = 18 year

Best wishes

Matt

[M Hunter]

Other