Ol & Ols

[Nigel N]

Nice one Tom!!!
A couple of interesting points you raised there!!
There are some Oaks without flaws out there, which are'nt very early, but are not the later poor quality ones! I'm sure at some point S&L, either revamped the old die, or more likely made a new die altogether ??
As for the 925 mark, i dont think that was found on any of the early pieces, not sure when that first appeared?? But with Oaks, "800" seems to be the standard mark and silver content, the same as S&L's RK's!!!
-Nigel

[Tom B]

Compared ....

Nigel...I compared mine with your photos. I must say that mine are very nicley made. at first glance you would think they are like yours...shape, loop and thiickness etc. Just the lack on early flaws and location of 800 mark is the big difference. Mine must not be the super late variety. Also checked the sales slip from S&L....The total cost was $51.00 US for the 3 sets ! The good old days !! I kept the plastic envelopes. One set of Oaks I did not open at all. I wonder why no etui in 1988 ?? I wish I knew when my sets were actually made ? I assumed not too long before I purchased them, but I wish I would have asked. Tom

[Nigel N]

Hi Tom!!
I think it would be very interesting and educational if we could see your Oaks??
To have a purchase date is unusual, and very helpful in dating pieces!!
On the later pieces, the cutouts around the edge, the area between the leaves, is not normally well finished, leaving in areas of metal, that in the earlier period would have been filed away, are yours cut out, or do they have the "gaps" between the leaves left in, like this late set..........
medals%20481.jpg

[Tom B]

Cut out

Nigel, All 3 of mine are cut out and well finished around the leaves. I guess mine would fit in between yours and the very new ones. Except for no visual die flaws found on the early issues they are the same. Now the set I have with provenance w/2nd pattern RK they are quite different. Although unmarked they have the early die flaws. The set was purchased in 1972 by Bodo. When he purchased the set, the Oaks were attached to the RK and the only case was the RK case w/ribbon. He also purchased a button hole minie which also have. The RK is also unmarked. Tom

[Nigel N]

Thanks for the info Tom!!!
I think the vast majority of vets who earned Oaks, bought them along with their RK, and as you said, most likely, they would come together in the RK case! This probably explains why there are'nt many Oaks cases around, there just was'nt much of a need for them!!!!
-Nigel

[Schickle93]

It would be awesome if you could show your sets, Tom!

I own a set of oaks with a 925 mark and very nice patina on the reverse. Unfortunately we weren't able to link it to a maker!

Best regards

Nils

[Nigel N]

I'll also add the close-ups of the "800" mark, and the die flaws, which i've marked, interestingly, the 3rd flaw,( the line on the lower left), has barely formed, i've seen it more pronounced on (i guess) later Oaks............
oaks2.jpg

oaks1.jpg

[Mike Yokum]

Absolute stunners Nigel, old friend! Gale treats you very well, and rightly so!

They're in minty condition and look wonderful! Having such nice cases to house them is an added bonus that isn't often encountered. Very good!

Pointing out the "flaws" or finger prints is a nice touch. These are sure signs of originality. Perfect!

Congrats buddy.