Austria-Hungary Honor Decoration of the Red Cross...Silver or Bronze?

[jshorter]

Hi everyone!

I just acquired the attached Honor Decoration of the Red Cross, and I'm having a difficult time determining if it is the Silver or Bronze Medal. According to Borna Barac's book (Reference Catalogue Orders, Medals and Decorations of the World, Part I, page 75), there is a Silver Medal made of Kriegsmetall that is silver plated, as well as Bronze Medal that is Kriegsmetall that is silver plated. How can you tell the difference, or am I missing something here?

Thanks!!!

Jason

Edited August 17, 2014 by jshorter

[larsb001]

If you look at the suspension ring this could suggest that this was once a bronze example, but noone can probably tell for sure. I'm just wondering why you would go for this example when a perfect one in either bronze or silver can be had for a modest price?

[jshorter]

If you look at the suspension ring this could suggest that this was once a bronze example, but noone can probably tell for sure. I'm just wondering why you would go for this example when a perfect one in either bronze or silver can be had for a modest price?

That was my guess too (bronze). The reason I purchased it is I try to collect examples of all medals made in every material they were manufactured.

Thank you,

Jason

[jshorter]

Here is a silver Ladies version with War Decoration that I already have.

Jason

[Rogi]

Since this appears to be the plated version (later war issue) it would be hard to tell, I'd go with Bronze too because of the attachment ring.

Oh and just in case you see the all silver civilian version, there is also an all Silver Version, actually made of silver (very rare)

Here is a pic of one from my collection it'll have a marking on the rim of the medal (my example has A for Vienna

Although I was told it is in later case of issue. Still was very lucky to have purchased the medal

[Elmar Lang]

The Silver Red Cross Medal without Kriegsdekoration is a rare piece indeed.

The medal in this discussion is a Kriegsmetall-made piece with enamelled centre medallion.

In order to ascertain whether the piece was originally a silver or bronze one, it needs to thoroughly examine the ring to see if any trace of silver plating would have remained or not.

To the right of "AC" in the motto, I see some brown-reddish colour, that could be either a trace of the original bronze finish, or just an effect in the picture.

I can say too, that the Red Cross medals made in Kriegsmetall, are always less common than their "precious" counterparts.

Best wishes,

Enzo (E.L.)

Edited August 18, 2014 by Elmar Lang

[jshorter]

Hi everyone!

UPDATE: The decoration just arrived a few minutes ago and I was able to confirm that it is a SILVER award. It is very hard to tell from the photos, but when seeing it in person there is still a lot of the bright shiny silver wash left on it, especially in the large flat areas on the back, and on the front around the text.

Thanks again everyone!

Jason

[tifes]

Hi Jason,

I don’t want to spoil your joy about the decoration, but what was said/written by Enzo (Elmar Lang) is absolutely true. This is so-called Honor Silver Medal of Red Cross, which was given for merit or financial donation for those people contributing to war effort of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy in hinterland. Honor Silber Medal with War Decoration (enameled green wreath around) was designated for those who had been directly connected with war activities. This is definitely Silver grade but made of Kriegsmetall, common/non-precious metal, silver-plated. First impressions till approximately mid of 1915 had been made of the real silver, hallmarked and usually with maker´s mark. This is later production, 1916 onwards. Honor Bronze Medal is lower grade and it was made of bronze since the beginning till the end of the Great War. Please find two pictures attached. First is showing Honor Silver Medal of Red Cross – hallmark and maker´s mark clearly visible on the suspension arch and second one displays the whole collection of Red Cross decorations (Merit Star still missing, if someone knows where to find it for reasonable price, just let me know )… Honor Bronze Medal on the far right second row, in the neighborhood (first to right) with Honor Silver Medal.

Regards,

tifes (Tom)

[jshorter]

Tom,

You didn't spoil my joy about the decoration. I was just wondering from my original posting if it a "silver" or "bronze" grade of the award. I couldn't tell from the photos when I purchased it (all I knew was that is was made of Kriegsmetall), but once I received it today I could tell it had been silver plated/washed.

Thank you,

Jason