War Merit Medal

[bytown]

Not the earliest version but 70's/80's I would guess.

Has the Measles like the later versions.

Not that easy to find so beggar's can't be chooser's.

Wayne

[Nigel N]

Very nice Wayne!!!
As you said, not the earliest, but these are scarce from any period!!!
Its funny how one of the most common TR medals was only made in small numbers in 57 form...I guess not many people bothered buying a replacement version, so there wasn't a need to make too many!!!
Always great to see these, rarer than many, many other 57ers, but I doubt it will get the response it deserves??
-Nigel

[bytown]

Thanks Nigel.

What you say is very true.

Wayne

[Tony T-S]

Wherever did you manage to find it. Another one still happy without a swaz.

[Tom B]

Yes, very hard to find 57er ! Tom I found an early one at the SOS a few years ago. The dealer had it marked as a war time maker mistake ! He had no idea that it was a 57 piece. I bought it for under $20.00. Just luck !!!!!

[HPL2008]

Its funny how one of the most common TR medals was only made in small numbers in 57 form...I guess not many people bothered buying a replacement version, so there wasn't a need to make too many!!!

Personally, I think the reason for this is that the vast majority of the customers for the 1957er decorations surely were military veterans. The KVM, however, was not awarded to military personnel and thus had less of a market.

[novara]

Good point. I always wanted to ask, what do you think, what would be the reason for the fact that far less 2nd Classes of the War Merit Cross are on the market than the 1st Classes? This is somehow true for the Iron Crosses as well.

[bytown]

Good point. I always wanted to ask, what do you think, what would be the reason for the fact that far less 2nd Classes of the War Merit Cross are on the market than the 1st Classes? This is somehow true for the Iron Crosses as well.

I would think that people that were awarded the 2nd classes didn't bother to buy replacements for their war time awards.

There seems to be more 2nd class with swords around than without.

Probably again soldiers went out and bought replacements where awardees of the 2nd without swords did not.

*With Swords awarded for special merit in actions under enemy fire or for special merit in military leadership.

*Without Swords for special merit in carrying out other tasks while not under enemy fire.

Wayne