French WW2 medals in 'gilt' finish - why?

[Duncan]

I've often seen French WW2 medals in two different finishes, dull bronze and a much brighter 'gilt' finish, as with the two I have in the photos below. Anyone know why the difference? The 'gilt' ones don't look so nice or well finished to my eye. Are they copies, more modern manufacture, fakes?

[Duncan]

[922F]

Such  non regulation awards generally exemplify private purchase items much like various nations', including U.S.A., military medals that are anodized, gold-plated, chrome plated, or otherwise embellished.  Often worn by troops performing ceremonial duties.  Sometimes bought by colleagues & presented to holder to celebrate a formal award or bestowal event. 

 

 

Medals & miniatures statutorily commissioned in bronze or base materials may be made in silver or gold for similar reasons.  One encounters French  examples most often. 

 

Of course, some will fake anything... 

Edited December 11, 2021 by 922F
spelchek

[Duncan]

Thanks. Never liked those gilt French medals. They often look badly made with poor relief and detail. Think they're more modern but not necessarily fakes.

Edited December 11, 2021 by Duncan

[Graf]

Hi Duncan,

I agree with 992F

In my opinion those nearly mint look gild medals you can see on the market are modern reproductions

You correctly noticed that the quality of those medals is inferior compared to the original.

As long as the price is also very low we can consider them as what we call 'collector's copies"

They are meant mostly for the novices in the collecting world to start from somewhere without the price of the originals. You can see many of those copies on eBay or other Platforms  Those Platforms, although they claim that they are regulated, in fact they are not.  They have their own place in the collectors market Also many novices are attracted by shiny medals till they realize sooner or later that shiny does not mean value .it is just appearance

The problem is when not very honest sellers try to sell them as original items and demand higher price for a profit

 

Cheers

Edited December 12, 2021 by Graf

[Duncan]

Thank you for the info. I'll stear clear of them. Only have the one in my collection luckily. Have always been put off by their 'cheap' look and poor quality.

[Graf]

Hi Duncan,

 

That is wise

Having one or few in your collection will give you  invaluable  "hands on"  experience for your future collecting.

We all have been through this period  No one is bullet proof

 

Cheers