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medals

A vast field, covering many eras and countries. Specialist reference books on every period and country can be found. One book - Price Guide: Orders and Decorations, Germany 1871-1945 by Detlev Niemann (2004) - is highly recommended (I have several in stock at ?50 each plus postage).

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militaria item Iron Cross, 1st class, 1914
- German
This a privately manufactured piece from the 1939-45 period and made as a replacement for an earlier lost Cross from WW1. It has the circular spinner on the reverse, typically found on 1939 EK1 examples. The Cross is of concave form, traditionally manufactured with an iron centre and silver rims and back.

militaria item Spanish Cross in gold
- German
In April 1939, this award was instituted to commemorate the bravery of the German volunteers in the Spanish civil war. 1,126 awards in gold with swords were granted. It is marked L56 on the reverse for the maker Robert Hauschild of Pforzheim.

militaria item Kaiser Karl bronze gallantry medal
- Austrian
This is the basic KuK award for bravery in the reign of Kaiser Karl, who succeeded Franz Joseph on his death in the winter of 1916. He reigned until November 1918, when he abdicated and went into exile. It is an official issue, as the designer's name Kautsch is in raised letters on the emperor's shoulder - tailors' copies do not have this feature.

militaria item Bronze gallantry medal
- Austrian
This is the basic KuK award for bravery in the reign of Kaiser Karl, who succeeded Franz Joseph on his death in the winter of 1916. He reigned until November 1918, when he abdicated and went into exile. It is an official issue, as the designer's name Kautsch is in raised letters on the emperor's shoulder - tailors' copies do not have this feature.

militaria item RAF Athletics & Cross Country Association bronze medal
- British
This medal (F. Phillips of Aldershot is on the inside of the case lid and also in raised lettering on the reverse of the medal itself) was created in the early 1920s for athletics and crosscountry running. It shows Icarus having his wings strapped on by a bearded assistant. The reverse is marked 'Team Championships 1924 Open Tug-of-War Winners'.

militaria item Franz Josef I small KuK gallantry medal, tailor's copy
- Austrian
Note the lack of maker's initials on the shoulder of the emperor's bust - this mark was always found on official issue medals. However, there would appear to be a maker's mark on the reverse ('S.G.A.'). Typically this would have been worn on the tunic, while the original would have been treasured in its box.

militaria item Prussian Merit medal, FWIII, silver
- German
This medal was introduced by King Frederick William III of Prussia (1797-1840) to award other ranks and NCOs for military galantry. However, it could also be awarded to the civil service for meritorious conduct. The difference between civil and military was apparently in the colours of the ribbon (missing here).

militaria item Gladstone commemorative medal, 1894
- British
This medal commemorates the retirement of William Gladstone from the House of Commons in 1894. He had been Prime Minister four times and, along with Disraeli, he created the modern Conservative party. There is a 50-line inscription on the reverse, listing the MPs of 1894. It is by Messrs L.C. Lauer and it was struck by J. Rochelle Thomas.

militaria item WW2 War Medal, sterling silver
- Canadian
This is the sterling silver version issued in 1945 to Canadian troops for service overseas in World War 2. The British version was struck in nickel silver, but for some reason the Canadians were lucky enough to have theirs issued in somewhat finer metal. It carried the normal ribbon for the British example, sadly missing.

militaria item 1935 Jubilee medal on lady's bow
- British
This was given to the good and great in 1935 to commemorate the Jubilee of George V and Queen Mary. The men received it on a conventional loose ribbon with pin suspension; the women received it in this fashion with a bow.

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testimonials

Just to let you know the sword arrived today. Great condition, really chuffed with it. Many thanks.

S W, UK, 20.03.2007

...the sword arrived safely today... My son, who shares my interest in antique edged weapons and for whom I bought the sword, is delighted.

G A, France, 24.01.2007

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