SS Service Medal base metal

[kenny andrew]

I've been offered these two SS service medals, the seller has told me they both came from the same veteran source.My concern is I have never seen a 4 year service medal which does not have a bronze alloy base, this one seems to have a dull silver alloy base.

I can't find any reference anywhere of what base metals these awards were made from.Has anybody seen a four year with a dull silver base? Also your thoughts on both medals.

Thanks Kenny.

[kenny andrew]

rear of medals , you can see the dull silver alloy where the black finish has worn away from the suspension which attaches to the ring.

[Antonio Scapini]

Hi Kenny, personally I would pass on both these medals.
IMO are fakes, details, base metal, color, suspension ring, are not what I would expect to see in an original one. Both were copied probably from the SS long service medals II type.

[kenny andrew]

Thanks Antonio, yes I was a bit concerned about the dull silver base metal, will pass on these

[J C Gray]

Yet another example of very well made reproductions that are lacking in style. Judging by the lettering on the reverse, they are both from the same (postwar) stable. Someone has gone a bit heavy handed with a gloss black rattle can on the 4 year.
I have never seen a silver base on these either, but interestingly, the preliminary designs called for the 8 year award to be silver (with a different obverse design), but these were never manufactured due to the classic design that we are familiar with being finally accepted.