British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Recent Books by Forum Members

   

Go Back   British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum > Canadian Military Insignia > Air Force (RCAF and CAF)

 Other Pages: Galleries, Links etc.
Glossary  Books by Forum Members     Canadian Pre 1914    CEF    CEF Badge Inscriptions   Canadian post 1920     Canadian post 1953     British Cavalry Badges     Makers' Marks    Pipers' Badges  Canadian Cloth Titles  Books  SEARCH
 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13-03-18, 08:17 PM
zorgon's Avatar
zorgon zorgon is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 218
Default 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.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DFC front sm.jpg (58.6 KB, 65 views)
File Type: jpg DFC back.jpg (68.4 KB, 60 views)
File Type: jpg DFC clasp.jpg (37.6 KB, 41 views)
File Type: jpg Medal metal analysis 2.jpg (107.9 KB, 38 views)

Last edited by zorgon; 13-03-18 at 08:39 PM. Reason: corrected terms
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13-03-18, 09:30 PM
Jackhr Jackhr is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: St Leonards Victoria, Australia
Posts: 1,134
Default

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.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 010.jpg (81.3 KB, 40 views)
File Type: jpg 009.jpg (81.5 KB, 31 views)
File Type: jpg 011.jpg (73.4 KB, 37 views)
File Type: jpg 012.jpg (62.3 KB, 28 views)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13-03-18, 09:36 PM
zorgon's Avatar
zorgon zorgon is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 218
Default

I agree about the suspension bar hole.
Were all DFC's named in the early years?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13-03-18, 09:46 PM
manchesters's Avatar
manchesters manchesters is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 7,572
Default

Its a poor copy.

regards
__________________
Simon Butterworth

Manchester Regiment Collector
Rank, Prize & Trade Badges
British & Commonwealth Artillery Badges
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13-03-18, 10:09 PM
Jackhr Jackhr is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: St Leonards Victoria, Australia
Posts: 1,134
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zorgon View Post
I agree about the suspension bar hole.
Were all DFC's named in the early years?
No this was hand chiseled engraved after he was awarded the DFC
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13-03-18, 10:32 PM
grenadierguardsman's Avatar
grenadierguardsman grenadierguardsman is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 3,901
Default

I wouldn't want it.
Andy
__________________
Leave to carry on Sir please.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14-03-18, 12:12 AM
Arnhemjim's Avatar
Arnhemjim Arnhemjim is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Arizona Territory
Posts: 299
Default 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
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14-03-18, 05:05 PM
zorgon's Avatar
zorgon zorgon is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 218
Default

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

Tags
silver, wwi dfc

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

mhs link

All times are GMT. The time now is 07:02 PM.


Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.