Lets Discuss RK ribbons

[Harry]

Harry, it might be a good idea to show by way of diagram what you mean by the number of 'stitches' on the white band.

What about the stitches on the red and black bands?

Allan

Thanks Allan,

for the benefit of all, the stitch count is this....
A simple count to act as a reference so one ribbon can be compared to another. I have not counted any black or red bands. Would it be safe to assume that a ribbon of loose weave would have fewer stitches accross its overall width compared to a ribbon of the same width but of a tighter weave?

[Allan P.]

Well done Harry, I'll get counting. I'll also count the red and black bands as a matter of interest.


Allan

[George Stimson]

"it be safe to assume that a ribbon of loose weave would have fewer stitches accross its overall width compared to a ribbon of the same width but of a tighter weave?"

That's one assumption. Another could be that the threads themselves are of slightly different widths, thus a different number of weaves for the same band size spec.<!-- / message --><!-- attachments -->

[Peter Wiking]

Should we not post a few reproductions?
First is a couple of reproductions i have in my collection. The outer edges lacks the humps ^^^^^

Peter

[Peter Wiking]

Here is another postwar ribbon. The weave is very loose with large spaces between the threads.

Peter

[Harry]

Thanks for the input Peter! As you can see, a thread count of 25 (left) and 18(right) repectively in the white band in your first picture...

[Dave Kane]

Harry, I looked at 10 full length ribbons. Each being the earlier cotton, thick feeling 'baum' type.

Here's the breakdown:

9 @ 45mm with 25 stitches
1 @ 46mm with 30 stitches

[Harry]

Thanks Dave!
The 25s and the 30s especially I think are the ultimate wartime ribbons. But there are wartime ribbons with a lower stitch count viz. 23 and 24 (at least on ribbons obtained with wartime crosses!).

[Dave Kane]

Harry, of the lower stitch count would these be the 'silky' or 'softer' feeling type?

[Harry]

Dave,
It is difficult to tell. In my view, the mint, unused, unfolded ribbons are as stiff as a board, even in the lower stitch counts. But the used, worn ribbons can be quite soft regardless of weave. I have 23s, 24s and 25s and one 30. The 23 does feel a bit 'silkier', the 30 feels the stiffest of all!

[RoyA]

Should we be including the 40mm wearing ribbon in this discussion?
R

[Harry]

Roy, I thought about it!
But because they are rare, we are unlikely to get a good sample size. I have 80cms of a 40mm RK ribbon I got from Kai Winkler with a cross, but no one else has come up with another for me to compare it with

For the record, this 40mm ribbon has 19 stitches per white stripe. Weave pattern and density identical to its wider counterpart... Anyone elso out there with a 40mm ribbon??

[Dave Kane]

Harry, rare yes but I think a couple of folks (here) have examples. In the last 3 years I sold 2 lengths to members but I can't recall whom.


The 40mm ribbon indeed is the thick, heavy early type of weave and material.

[Harry]

Yes Dave, very thick indeed.

Here is a close shot of my 40mm ribbon. Now if we could only find out who else has some and get 'em counting!

[Marc Garlasco]

From my awarded Monte Cassino grouping. 45mm with a 25 count: