Description
Victory Medal
Victory Medal was issued to all who had already got the 1914 or 1914–15 Stars and most of those who had the British War Medal, some six million are believed to have been produced. It is often known as the Allied War Medal because the same basic design and double rainbow ribbon were adopted by thirteen other Allied nations (though the USA alone issued it with campaign clasps). The Union of South Africa produced a version with a reverse text in English and Dutch (not Afrikaans as is often stated).
Date: 1919
Branch of Service: British and imperial forces.
Ribbon: 38mm double rainbow (indigo at edges and red in centre).
Original Metal: Yellow bronze.
Size: 36mm.
Description: (Obverse) the standing figure of Victory holding a palm branch in her right hand and stretching out her left hand. (Reverse) a laurel wreath containing a four-line inscription THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914–1919.
Medal mounting swing style is the more traditional method of mounting medals. Swing Style or ordinary style mounted medals are mounted on a medal brooch bar which can then be pinned to your tunic directly, through becketts or attached to a pocket holder. This style of medal mounting allows the medals to move or ‘swing’ when worn. Over time, the edge of the medals can become damaged due to the medals “clinking” together.
Medal mounting court style is alleged to have began during the reign of Queen Victoria. Those attending the Queen would wear medals court mounted to stop them “clinking”. Other sources suggest that the Cavalry first adopted the practice. Either way, this style of medal mounting is becoming more popular. Court mounted medals are fixed to a rigid backing material called buckram. The buckram is then covered in a felt material before the medals are mounted on their own ribbon length. This style of medal mounting holds the medals firmly in place and prevents them ‘clinking’ together and damaging each other when worn.
Medals are mounted ready for wear and then placed on a block within the frame. This allows for the easy removal and replacement of the medals as required, meaning they can be removed for wear on parade or for cleaning.
The medals will hang from the block at a slight angle much as they would if they were being worn on the chest.
Medals are not mounted ready for wear and instead are placed flat against the frame backing with the medal ribbon secured through a slot. This means that the medals cannot be removed from the frame and cannot be worn.
Bert Steinhardt –
A number of years ago I received a pair of British WWI cavalry swords through my father-in-law. A little bit of research showed the pieces had been issued in WWI to two seperate Canadian Cavalry units. This eventually led to my finding documentation on two individuals within those units. I was able to locate a set of originals for one but not the other. I originally sought to obtain two un-named medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) but finding these was as hard as finding hen’s teeth in a snow storm.
I eventually chanced upon Bigbury Mint and liked the fact of them being licenced by the MoD to reproduce the medals.I received my medals today and am thrilled with the quality of the product. During the purchasing process there was an issue as to the engraving. This issue was spotted by Bigbury staff who contacted me to point out the problem and offered suggestions of remedy. Such customer service really gives one confidence when dealing at arms length. Thank you.
Peter Penney –
I bought this medal as part of a Pip, Squeak and Wilfred set engraved with my wife’s grandfather’s details, and we are very impressed with the high quality of the medal, the speedy service and the help received in getting the engraving as accurate as possible. The quality of this medal makes it a very fitting link to a hero my wife never had the privilege of meeting, and as such I would have no hesitation in recommending Bigbury to anyone.
Regards
Pete
Kelly Buckle –
I brought this medal as I am researching my family history and discovered that my great grandad was issued with one of these along with another medal which we do have in the family, but no one ever remembers seeing this or knows where it is. So I ordered this to replace the lost medal. I also had it engraved with his army details. I got a dispatch email the other day and it arrived yesterday. When I opened it I nearly cried. It is beautiful. The quality is amazing. Thank you so much. I would definately recommend bigbury mint to others looking for a medal.