08-30-2002, 03:07 AM
Alexei,
Is there a reliable, non-destructive way to tell? I read on McDaniels site that he has seen these gold-plated campaign medals and he writes they were most likely awarded to "General officers and Marshalls". I would assume this would make them at least R3. I would trust the authenticity better if I found one in my collection than seeing a "Genuine gold-plated WWII award" up for sale on EBay.
I've looked into buying a non-destructive gold-testing device before, but the price was outrageous. This was a few years ago and prices may have fallen. I know there is a destructive test, but it involves rubbing a small bit of the gold onto an abrasive block, just enough to leave a mark, then adding chemicals to the mark and what I would guess is that a certain reaction is supposed to take place.
Art
Is there a reliable, non-destructive way to tell? I read on McDaniels site that he has seen these gold-plated campaign medals and he writes they were most likely awarded to "General officers and Marshalls". I would assume this would make them at least R3. I would trust the authenticity better if I found one in my collection than seeing a "Genuine gold-plated WWII award" up for sale on EBay.
I've looked into buying a non-destructive gold-testing device before, but the price was outrageous. This was a few years ago and prices may have fallen. I know there is a destructive test, but it involves rubbing a small bit of the gold onto an abrasive block, just enough to leave a mark, then adding chemicals to the mark and what I would guess is that a certain reaction is supposed to take place.
Art
[SIZE="1"]Visit the main site to the forum: The Soviet Military Awards Page
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Want to sell awards on the forum? Please read the FAQ
Important Links: Forum announcements and rules | Image posting FAQ
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