WWI DFC; real or replica?
 

I've posted photos related to these medals in the Canadian Photographs section:
http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ad.php?t=66913


I purchased this medal group knowing the named medals were just replacements for the display however, I'm now wondering about the authenticity of the early DFC. At our local club meeting last week, there was some question whether or not it is a “real”, period piece; perhaps the knowledgeable Forum members can comment?

I’m not a medal person so this determination is foreign to me. I took the item into a coin store this AM where they kindly analyzed the composition. It is basically pure silver (their unit admittedly wasn’t recently calibrated for silver) where three different measurements all gave readings in excess of 99.3%. The bar appears to be tarnished as one would expect silver to be but we weren’t able to get a reading on it without removing the medal its bar - which I haven't done. I understand that some DFC’s were replicated in silver so a silver DFC doesn’t imply originality.
I also tried to weigh the medal, up to the loop but it’s difficult of course. I’m guessing about 20 grams. The suspension ring appears to have been well soldered as there is no gap visible. I haven't been able to find much on early, circa 1918 DFC's so I really don't have a comparison. To my untrained eye, the suspension appears weak in the design but the strike is of high quality.

Your thoughts and an estimate of value as a stand-alone medal would be most welcome.

Here are photos of my WW1 DFC group to a Australian Observer/Pilot for you to compare. I dont like the suspension bar hole and the top of your ring on the DFC.

I agree about the suspension bar hole.
Were all DFC's named in the early years?

Its a poor copy.

regards

No this was hand chiseled engraved after he was awarded the DFC

I wouldn't want it.
Andy

WWI DFC
 

Another criterion; on genuine crosses the designer’s initials, E.C.P. (E. Carter Preston) appear faintly at 5 o’clock on the other edge of the center ring. They do not appear on a deliberate copy, but might appear on a cross struck from a genuine issue; in this case the initials will be very blurred, if apparent at all. Cited from BRITISH GALLANTRY AWARDS, by Tamplin and Abbot.

Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

Thank you all for the thoughts, comments and educational bits on this replica DFC medal.