Medal "For Combat Merits".

[Nota Bene]

Erik,

I think early 1940s. BTW, I have also seen Mongolian medals with the same plastic protection.

Alexei

Originally Posted by Yeti

Yes, When You mention it I think I have seen it too. I wonder when this plastic material first was used... fourties maybe fifties? Or much later perhaps?

/Erik

[jefflgarrison]

Art,

A combat medal I recently purchased came in the mail today. When I was looking at your web pages for this medal I noticed that you are "wanted" for a 5-sided supension combat medal with the "hilt pointed down".

Below is a shot of the hilt of the sword. Is this pointed down? This is my first so I am not sure what I am looking for exactly.

[Alfred]

I think here is a comparison of the two suspension types.

[jefflgarrison]

Originally Posted by Alfred

I think here is a comparison of the two suspension types.

I took the photo you supplied and pasted one over the other in photoshop and couldn't seem a difference. They both seem to have a less currled hilt piece than the image that I posted.

Sorry to sound disagreeable.

[Art]

Jeff, take a look below to help spot the difference. Type 2 Variation 1 on the left, Type 2 Variation 2 on the right.

[jefflgarrison]

Originally Posted by Art

Jeff, take a look below to help spot the difference. Type 2 Variation 1 on the left, Type 2 Variation 2 on the right.

Ok, so now I understand. What I was thinking was different was the front part of the hilt. There is a portion on mine that curls down more than the ones in the pictures.

Hey, I am a bit confused about something.

I have seen on eB?y a combat medal in the 100,000 range with the square suspension.

However, at the local "market" there is a guy that has one in the 60,000 range on a 5-sided suspension.

Can anyone give an ballpark figure to when in the numbering scheme they switched supensions? Seems the one on eB?y has a fake suspension but I would prefer the experts lay that one to rest.

[Lapa]

Jeff,

The highest known number on small suspension is 480345. In 1943, all small suspension medals were supposed to be converted to the 5-sided type. Now, what the individual receipient did with his own medal...

Marc

[EricFG]

I've been searching for a while (a few months) now for a good T1V3 Bravery and Combat Service to replace those yukky 5 sided variations I have.
Last week my favorite dealer (Thanks Alexei!) came through with a CS for me.
This has got everything I want in a medal; good, honest wear and a lot of hard use.
I know some folk drool over "minty" examples, but I'm all agog over the 'been there and seen that' examples.
So you for your viewing pleasure.....
BTW, thanks to one Rick Research this one dates to about March 1943

[Riley1965]

Eric,
I'm DROOLIN" all over my computer!!! That's a very nice one!!! If it ever needs a new home...

:thumbsup :thumbsup Doc

[EricFG]

Originally Posted by riley1965

Eric,I'm DROOLIN' all over my computer!!! That's a very nice one!!! If it ever needs a new home...Doc

Thanks Big D, it's got a good home and it ain't goin' nowhere. :)
I'm now considering displaying all my WW2 era Orders, this CS medal, and the T1V3 Bravery (if and when I get it) separately. I've got a screwback ORB, a Nevsky, an OG3, the new OG2, and an ORS that are all pre May 1 '45, and a OPW2 that's later '45.....
yeesh.... :)

I've had this one for a long time now but I just got an old suspension and ribbon to go with this veteran of the Great Patriotic War (#1557672).
Since this medal dates from late in 1944 I thought I'd get a ribbon and suspension that looked 63 years old.
I know some are against restoration, indeed I am most times, but I felt that a shiny ribbon and cheapo aluminium suspension were a disservice to this lovely medal.
So here she is....:D