I suppose it depends what the reason was for the "fake" suspension being added. I guess there are two possible answers: (1.) the awardee did it for some reason (to look like it originally did); or (2.) it was done by some dealer to fool a buyer.
Either way you could argue that the fake suspension has become part of the story of the medal, and as such should not be changed.
I only change things which in the long-term would damage the item e.g. to clean or not to clean, etc.
To my eye it doesn't look too bad so I would leave it as it is if it was in my collection.
Good points Simon. My guess is that a dealer did this to fool unsuspecting buyers. Hmm, something to think about for sure. I would think a veteran had it on a 5-sided suspension, wonder if it's more "real" to restore.
UQWozza Wrote:An interesting question - to change or not?
I suppose it depends what the reason was for the "fake" suspension being added. I guess there are two possible answers: (1.) the awardee did it for some reason (to look like it originally did); or (2.) it was done by some dealer to fool a buyer...
Simon,
Do you seriously believe in what you write? What would be the reasons for a veteran to revert to a suspension that was officially changed in 1943 and never allowed back?
From meeting and discussing with many Soviet veterans, they did not care what the original shape of an award was; regulations said that you must hang it on a 5-sided suspension, then you simply did it, the main thing being that it hangs proudly on your chest with your other awards.
I agree with Simon & Paul; leave it as it is. I think if it were mine and I changed it I'd regret doing so later. It also makes a great place-filler until you can get the real deal.
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'
Thanks gents. I think I'll leave it as is for now--but I tend to agree with Marc.. Not only was there a regulation to change the suspensions to the "new" kind but also it just looked cleaner with all the jubilee and campaign medals that the veterans received later.
UQWozza Wrote:Have you done any research on this one?
I missed your previous post about why I had wondered whether a veteran had changed the suspension back to what it previously looked like. I have only met a few veterans but this was based on a chance meeting I had with a couple of veterans a few years ago. Both had recently converted their BMs back to the rectangular versions because they wanted them to look like the form they were originally issued. They felt that this showed that they gained their medals earlier in the war when such awards were harder to gain (roughly their words).
