West Wall surface texture question.

[Stu W]

Hello,

I have two West Wall medals. As you can see there is a color and texture difference to them. The one on the left is ever so slightly heavier and more yellow. The one on the right, with slightly sharper features, is darker and faintly pebbled. You don't feel it when in hand but it's clear when magnified and photographed.

I acquired the one on the left from a member of the Canadian Army who served in Europe in WWII. Along with it were several other items all vetted here on WAF. I have no reason to doubt it's authenticity. The one on the right, acquired through a trade, came with packet and appears unissued although tarnished. The packet has been reviewed and found to be a good one.

I'm thinking that the differences can be explained by a difference in base metals. The darker one possibly being a later type bronzed zinc issue. I'm not sure though as the only other 2nd issue type I have seen was almost black and very obviously bubbling.

Here are three pictures. Would anyone care to offer any opinions? Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

2/3

2

[Stu W]

3/3

No need to bring this thread all the way back up to the top so I will just add my thanks to you both here.

Regards,
Stu

[Don D.]

Hello,





I'm thinking that the differences can be explained by a difference in base metals. The darker one possibly being a later type bronzed zinc issue. I'm not sure though as the only other 2nd issue type I have seen was almost black and very obviously bubbling.


Stu

Stu, you are correct. The tombak one on the left remains pretty much as it was the day it was made. The zinker on the right will one day turn to dust.

[wschmidt]

I have one "The October 1 1938 Commemorative Medal" with same surface.

I believed that this medal was done in buntmetall and that this texture was function of some chemical cleanness.