Suspensions, Ribbons, Ribbon Bars And Order Of Precedence.

[Kirchgoens]

I see a lot of aluminum suspensions on campaign medals, even the wartime versions. Often the suspension seems to be the second thing to go (after the ribbon), and often they go together. Medals without suspensions are a staple in the bazaars in the former Soviet Union (or at least the ones I frequent on a weekly basis). Also, as these things wear out, the old veterans replace them themselves if they have the money or ability (which many don't). I'm finding that it is getting really tough to find old suspensions. It is often easier to find a bare GPW-era medal than it can be to find an unused period 2-piece brass or steel suspension. They haven't made them for years. Even finding an unused 1960's-80's-era 2-piece aluminum suspension of the type used on orders can often be a challenge, yet I frequently find the actual ORBL/OBH/OLG3's and even an occasional OOR from that time period with no suspension at all.

I know we are all near-fanatics (myself included) about loving "salty", old, "seasoned", stained, worn-out ribbons and those "heavy" patinas, but old veterans see that as sloppiness, as being un-STRAC. Look at the reality of being an old soldier and veteran (which I am of the US Army): veterans love to have a shiny rack with clean/unsoiled ribbons when they wear what they have. Can you imagine a paratropper being proud of tarnished wings or an infantryman preening with his patina-encrusted CIB? Absolutely not! We may find shining an old Kafkaz or Stalingrad or Berlin medal anathema, but trust me when I say that an 85-year old veteran of the GPW would love to have his stuff shined on the 9th of May, and would also probably love it if someone mounted all his medals on one nice aluminum suspension with brand new ribbons so he could himself shine a bit more on that special day of which he has so few left.

Since my last paragraph strayed a bit off topic, maybe I should have put it into the general discussion of a topic that's as well-worn as those beloved ribbons. ;)

...Brian

[Alfred]

Hi together,

I lookrd through my suspensions and found 5 different producer / factory marks on the suspensions.

Has anybody an idea who / which factory produced this suspensions?

As the marks are to small for my digi cam I painted them.

best regards and thanks
Andreas

[Esteban_cool]

I have always seen the "Peace" mark on cockardes and aluminium screwplates for suspensions and guards badges.
Never seen the other marks before.

[Ruiz]

HI, I need information about this strange pentagonal block. Only award to the Vienna and Glory Order.
Best regards

[UQWozza]

Have a look at the Mondvor site:

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In their classification this is a type 3 suspension made from white casting metal, two-layered, fastening pin in one place, sectional, tin plate cover (Order of the Glory of 3rd Class, Medal " For the taking Of Vienna").

Simon

[Lapa]

Ruiz,

This type of suspension is rather scarce :thumbsup

Marc

[EricFG]

I've never seen one. Is that yours? :)

[Ruiz]

Originally Posted by EricFG

I've never seen one. Is that yours? :)

Yes it´s mine.
Marc, is rather scarce ? well, fantastic. It´s a good medal for my collection.
Best regards.:)

[Rommel1933]

Hello Forum,

Does anyone know circa what year the ribbon holders (kolodka) went from the 2 piece I see on older pieces to a 1 piece design?

Is this even definable?

I did search in the forum and I didnt find anything. Perhaps I am typing wrong words.

Thank you,
Scott

[Lapa]

Steve,

This is difficult to tell precisely. Here is a link to the suspension page of the Mondvor site, where you'll find a lot of details about the different types of suspensions.

Marc