Originally posted by all1knew
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William - I sanded the finish away as Robert did before - to the right of the "2" of the 1941/42 you can see that there is in fact a brass color coating there....
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And so the story goes further... This is not a seldom medal. If a few dealer/collectors who are buying these things in big quantities check on of their medals like Schmitt did, it could be cleared out for ever. I must be honest and admit that destroying one of mine
... It's notting for me. But like a mentioned, if you buy these in lots at very cheap prices... In the name of scientisc it must be possible. 
Regards, Theo
Freedom is not for FreeComment
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So far we have proved that there were pure tombak Ostmedailles. We have also proved (Thank you, Rainer) that there are zinc Ostmedailles that were plated with a thin layer of brass (tombak) before the finish was applied, as pointed out by Theo. The question still remains whether or not there were zinc Ostmedailles that did not have the layer of brass applied before their finishing process. I have a few Osts that are down to their dark gray oxidized zinc appearance that have no apparent wear to the medal whatsoever. You, or at least I, would think that there would be some residue of brass left in the deep crevices of the detailing on these aged and oxidized medals. IMO, I think there were makers who finished their medals without the layer of brass between the finish coat and the zinc core. Open to ideas.
RobertComment
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Hi Robert,
Considering the huge list of makers for this award I am sure more than just a few of these will be found to be nothing more than zinc. I view it this way. In the begining there were not that many awarded contracts to the various makers to produce this award. Early on buntmetal was available (as we know from other combat awards) so it was used to manafacture the medal. Then due to the huge numbers envolved it is was no longer financialy prudent to produce the award this way. At this point in time I can see the makers going to a brass or copper dipped award to help hold the finish as it was too costly to do otherwise. Still later this also became a cost issue. Lastly, makers resorted to nothing more than a silver painted award. Two other things before I finsih. One, is that not all award makers are created equal. I can see some of them never using the more costly materials from the very begining to make more of a profit for themselves. Lastly, some contracts to produce this award may have been secured long after the orginal contracts were handed out. In this case there was nothing but zinc available at this point in time of the war. Anyone else care to share their ideas reguarding this?
ChetZinc stinks!Comment
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Chet,
I think you covered every base, and I fully agree with everything you said. From the manufacturers that did use the copper or brass dip, we have these well-preserved medals still today.
Thank you,
RobertComment
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Amen! Thanks Robert and Chet, many members ar wiser than before now I bet. Theo - Like in proving theories like with the Ostmedal and its materials being used in different times in the war or by different makers for example, there's no evidence by making assumptions but by facts. A sole statement with nothing to back it up means nothing. One for all and all for one - this Ostmedaille fell for the platoon. I did not enjoy using the saw on my Gefrierfleischorden, but it proved a theory right that otherwise would have remained just another theory like many others....
RainerLast edited by R. Schmitt; 01-23-2007, 03:38 PM.Comment
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Gentlemen, thank you for an excellent discussion of this medal, and for the lengths you went to discover the truth! My hat is off to you.
ScottComment
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Scott.
That one is drop dead goregous!
ChetZinc stinks!Comment
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I second that! Mercy!Originally posted by Chet Sowersby View PostScott.
That one is drop dead goregous!
Chet
RobertComment
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I got one like that - Oh wait - no - I only have the ribbon..... Great Ost, Scott!
RainerComment
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Best of the best Scott!
Regards, Theo
Freedom is not for FreeComment
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My apoligize to you Rainer. I diden't mean it that way. I just wanted to point out that it must be easier for dealers to check this as for a collector. The test you did was very useful. I saved that pictures immediatly And I hope that ones this (cheap) medals find their way into an in-dept study book ,all this knowledge and tests diden't get lost in time.Originally posted by R. Schmitt View Post
Regards, Theo
Freedom is not for FreeComment
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Thanks for the kind words guys - there are lots of really nice ones shown in this thread. I found it here on the E-Stand last year
. It's a K&Q, and for what it's worth, measures 35.8mm wide, by 44.2 high (from top of integral ring), and weighs 18.0g.
Cheers.
Scott
PS: Peter, that LW Narvik shield is a beauty!Last edited by Scott C.; 01-24-2007, 09:39 PM.Comment
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no prob, Theo, no hurt feelings o my side. You actually have a good point about that study bookOriginally posted by Theo Cuypers View PostMy apoligize to you Rainer. I diden't mean it that way. I just wanted to point out that it must be easier for dealers to check this as for a collector. The test you did was very useful. I saved that pictures immediatly And I hope that ones this (cheap) medals find their way into an in-dept study book ,all this knowledge and tests diden't get lost in time.
Regards, Theo , there's literature on the IAB, the EKs and whatnot, but I haven't seen an exclusive Ostmedaille Book, yet, otherwise the questions in this thread would not have occured, would they...
We have to talk about this at the next (first) annual "WAF Octoberfest" (just a thought....)Comment
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Scott,
I will hazzard a guess that your outstanding example is a early war piece. I say this because all of the K&Q medals I've seen show severe bubbling to their finish. In fact, I have always considering it a K&Q indicator. Still, I am dumbstruck by the pristine condition of your example.
ChetZinc stinks!Comment
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