Burma Stars ?

[boristhepig]

Hi

I am new to this forum, but having been collecting militaria for many years. Mainly WW1 and WW2 British and commonwealth items.

I have a small number of medals, but am now looking to expand into medal collecting. Looking at the medals I currently have, and doing some research there are a few medals that I am uncertain if they are originals.

Please could someone give their opinion on these two Burma star medals.      

Thanks 

[Kaprolat]

The last two images may be a copy, look at the «E», the middle lettering is tha same size. Look at the first image you will se that the middle letter in «E» is shorter than the two other.

[Gordon Craig]

Pictures of an authentic Burma Star.  The second star is not good in my estimation (last two pictures).  The first two pictures look ok from the pictures that you provided but not a star I would want to have in my collection.

Regards,

Gordon

 

 

Edited March 15 by Gordon Craig

[ChrisKelly]

Given the images, here's the crucible:

 

On the original Burma Star, the center line on the "E" is always shorter than the lines on top and bottom.  The king's crown is always well centered. The center dimples on the king's crown...  Always 4&1/2, not 5.  The originals have 7 "pearls" on each side of the king's crown.  

 

Observation:  On the originals, the arms of the star look faceted.  The star in the last two images in Post#1 show a line...  Tell-tale sign of a cast copy.  The original stars are struck, not cast.  In those last two images, the star's suspension ring looks too big.  The lettering in the center circlet is wider than on the original...  Sometimes called "lettering is too rounded".  The slight crease on the reverse of the suspension loop at the top of the star is an indicator of an original. Not all original stars have this detail, depending on which mint struck them.  Notice the "VI" on the obverse of the star in the first two images.  On all original stars the top should be connected.  No line at the top between the "V" and the "I".

 

Gordon's images are a textbook example of an original Burma Star that has not been part of a mounted group, and the ribbon is likely an original period ribbon.  It looks like a British Royal Mint issue. 

 

There are Canadian, Australian and Indian struck stars which are original, and have slightly different details.  Nonetheless, the finer points enumerated in the paragrahs above are common to all original period issue stars.

[Farkas]

On 11/06/2024 at 16:42, ChrisKelly said:

 

Notice the "VI" on the obverse of the star in the first two images.  On all original stars the top should be connected.  No line at the top between the "V" and the "I".

Hi Gents, Chris,

can you clarify this please 👆thanks 

 

I’ve had it  in my head that it’s a better sign if the ‘V & I’ are separated slightly.

ie , it’s  better if there is no connection at the top.

 

cheers

tony 🍻

[ChrisKelly]

As such...  Couple of close - on images of an original Royal Mint/British issue Pacific Star on its original ribbon.  I also have the original box of issue.