Belgian Congo medal for native troops?

[Mark McM]

Hello All,

 

Cant find much out there on this one.  Is it one of the native troops medals?

[Hendrik]

Hi,

 

It is. Bronze medal of the King Leopold III era. Comes with either a blue ribbon (military) or predominantly yellow ribbon (civil).

 

Regards,

Hendrik

[Mark McM]

6 hours ago, Hendrik said:

Hi,

 

It is. Bronze medal of the King Leopold III era. Comes with either a blue ribbon (military) or predominantly yellow ribbon (civil).

 

Regards,

Hendrik

thanks!  The medal has an old silver wash over the bronze.  Privately done??

[Hendrik]

Hi Mark,

 

The medals from the Leopold III era and the later Baudouin I period existed in 2 classes, bronze and silver. The latter were actually manufactured in silvered bronze, not in sterling silver. Looks like you ended up with one that had a rough life ?

Regards,

Hendrik

[Mark McM]

Yes, it’s definitely been there!  A little Ballistol easily cleared the grime away to reveal what’s left of the silvering (which I’d estimate at around 65%).  Now I just need to hunt up a ribbon...