'Mini' research on RK Ribbons.

[Harry]

I need to gather some information on original pre-1945 RK ribbons. I would be very grateful if all you guys out there with known original RK ribbons of 45-46mm width could get your loupes out and count the number of stitches in both of the white band sections. I am trying to establish if there is a consistency in the number and whether both white stipes are always matching in width on each ribbon. Cheers, in advance

[Dietrich Maerz]

Hi Harry,

always love those seemingly uninteresting little projects which will sometimes lead to something geat!

Counted several times: 25 both, no doubt

Dietrich

[Harry]

Thanks Dietrich, I need more, come on you guys, get those ribbons out and start counting!

[Biro]

It's 25 here as well Harry....

Marshall

[Marc Garlasco]

Harry,

25 both sides. Methinks we have the beginnings of consistency...

Marc

[ben bijker]

35 to 40 here
, but it might be the alcohol..
( Got a nice case of Iserlohner from a good friend)

Will do a re-count tomorrow

ben

[Dave Kane]

25 and 12 examples counted!!!

[Harry]

That's great guys. Keep them coming. Tom, if you are out there, I am waiting for your input!

Ben, alcohol and loupes don't mix!, Drive around the block a few times to sober up, and try then

[Harry]

Marc,

25mm on both white stripes seems to be the correct number. I have come accross a few samples of good 'original' ribbon with white stitch numbers varying from this, giving a 'looser' weave.

[Marc Garlasco]

Harry,

I have a nice piece of 1957 that is not scalloped but is very well made - it does not glow in blacklight. Also 25 per white.
Marc

[tom hansen]

I had to jaunt to the bank earlier when I saw this to retrieve the "data".


I preface this to say I am no expert on counting, but I did successfully (sp?) pass the second grade, so my counts are close to reality, but may not be as good as that of a 35 year expert on counting.

16 ribbons. All have 25 stitches on the white bands. I think I am legally blind now, so further counts will be inaccurate!

[Harry]

Thanks Tom for your effort! What do the bank make of you storing these items in their safe deposit? Anyway, I am picking up stitch counts for the white areas of between 22 and 30, but 25 seems to be the most consistant. One piece of ribbon has 22 stitches on one white band, and 23 on the other! Were there diffirent manufacturers of RK ribbons, and did quality alter as the war progressed. I should also mention that all the ribbons I have looked at are UV negative, have well scalloped borders and are in the 45-46mm range in diameter.

[ben bijker]

Harry,

two ribbons, both 25 stiches on both stripes.

regards,
ben

[Rich G]

Harry


1 = 23
2 = 25
1 = 30

Rich

[Harry]

Ben, Richards, thanks for the input

Richard, is there a noticeable difference in the 'stiffness' of your ribbons? The ribbon I have with 30 stitches per white band is deffinitely stiffer than the others.