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**fritz x** · 02-12-2014, 03:01 PM

Hi,

I have a Purple Heart that is named on the reverse to Millard C Townsend and bears serial number 201469. Townsend served with the 142nd Infantry Regiment of the 36th Division during WWI. The medal is in pretty rough shape, and I would like to get it back into displayable condition. The ribbon could probably be replaced without too much difficulty, but I am clueless as to how to replace the enamel. Does anyone have any ideas? Washington's head pops in and out, so I think it would be possible to put an enamel heart behind his head.

Thanks,
Ted

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**EdwardH** · 02-13-2014, 01:30 PM

A professional jeweler would probably have access the enamel repair companies. I'm sure it can be done but it might be expensive.

**Eric Gaumann** · 02-27-2014, 10:11 PM

I'd suggest leaving it as-is. Mr. Townsend probably lived a hard life; his medal sure did and nothing you will do can un-do that. Personally I would buy a modern PH and display that with the original; the contrast would help tell the story.

**busterz111** · 03-08-2014, 02:30 AM

Expensive and would never look proper....just leave it or sell it off to someone who would appreciate it.

**Paul R.** · 03-11-2014, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by Eric Gaumann View Post

I'd suggest leaving it as-is. Mr. Townsend probably lived a hard life; his medal sure did and nothing you will do can un-do that. Personally I would buy a modern PH and display that with the original; the contrast would help tell the story.

Originally posted by busterz111 View Post

Expensive and would never look proper....just leave it or sell it off to someone who would appreciate it.

Well said
So many times I find collectors have a burning desire to tamper with a piece of history. Especially with a piece with a well-documented history... From a conservators point of view on this. I feel that there is nothing more that needs to be said on this topic
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**WW2Pacific** · 03-12-2014, 11:43 AM

Just leave it the way it is. Having new enamel added (if it can be done like the originals) would only highlight the wear and make it look wrong (mix of minty new and worn old).

**fritz x** · 03-16-2014, 06:24 PM

Thanks for the advice. It is the best advice. History is not always pretty, and we sure can't change that. It is a shame though that this medal was not taken better care of throughout the years. If the medal was used as a key chain by Mr. Townsend that is one thing, but if it was used as a key chain by his grandchildren or someone else, shame on them. Items like this should be treated with the utmost respect and preserved in my opinion.

**wh014d4394** · 09-09-2017, 10:44 AM

HI SON. I SEE THAT MEDAL MEANS A LOT TO YOU

WHY DONT YOU SEE THAT VERY NICE MAN. DOCTOR LOVE HERE ON THIS FORUM

THAT WOULD BE A WALK IN THE PARK FOR HIM

**Gaspare** · 09-22-2017, 09:47 PM

maybe you could track down the family and see if they would like it.. IF they would like it back you give it to them.
Then contact the local news maybe they would be interested in the story. [it is a nice thing to do] just tell them the story is all theirs but you'd appreciate them mentioning you collect military memorabilia.. You never know what you could get in return

,,,you know,,the old,, what ever goes round comes around!

**wh014d4394** · 10-17-2017, 06:43 PM

Originally posted by WW2Pacific View Post

Just leave it the way it is. Having new enamel added (if it can be done like the originals) would only highlight the wear and make it look wrong (mix of minty new and worn old).

not if i did it it

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Replacing the enamel on a WWI Purple Heart

Replacing the enamel on a WWI Purple Heart

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