Vichy French-croix-du-combattant

[NickG]

Thoughts on this cross (lacking ribbon)

(sorry for the bad images...)

[NickG]

Close ups...

[FrenchVolunteer]

Hello Nick,

perfectly original and very common actually.

The La Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) marks are easy to spot at the bottom of the "South" branch of the Cross.

The Croix du Combattant overall design didn't change since 1930.
You can easily find this Cross, but the Croix du Combattant 1939-1940 made for the Etat Français has a different text on the back with an different ribbon. It is rarer (usually around 50 euros).

Below you win find two Croix du Combattant by La Monnaie de Paris.
On the left, the "republican" model, on the right, the Etat Français.
Please notice that both are using the original (and now forbidden) Etat Français ribbon. The original ribbon is more matte, the new modern reproduction are a bit more shiny.

You are indeed right, there is a reproduction model (sold as reproduction) by JMF Collections International of the Croix du Combattant 1939-1940. I will post picture of this one, but it is now quite rare to be honest.

See You

Vince

[FrenchVolunteer]

Hi,

below is the modern JMF Collections International reproduction (i will post it when i will get it) from a 2011 ad for JMF reproductions.
Actually quite rare now...
You can notice that the marks (of La Monnaie de Paris) are of course not included in this reproduction.

See You

Vince

[NickG]

Thanks. So $60 dollars (lacking ribbon) is a little expensive if these go for 50E with ribbon.
I will pass!

[FrenchVolunteer]

Hi,

yes i think that it could be better that you get a "full dressed" (with an original ribbon) CdC.

Let me check if i can find one for around 50 euros, many are currently on buy it now on eBay.fr but they are proposed for more expensive prices, and they are not selling...

See You

Vince

[Persoons_Karst]

For what was this medal awarded?

[FrenchVolunteer]

Hi,

the Croix du Combattant is given to every French national mobilized in the French Army during a war or conflict.
It is not to be confused with the Croix de Guerre, which is given for actual valor during the war.

See You

Vince

[Persoons_Karst]

Thanks. So it's possible to see this or the Guerre medal on a LVF or Charlemagne soldier or the wear was Forbidden by the Germans?

[FrenchVolunteer]

Hi,

it is 100% confirmed that this medal was indeed in wear in LVF/Waffen-SS/similar units uniforms.

See You

Vince