Attempting to date WW2 USN Good conduct medals

[Simon Lerenfort]

Is it true that the earlier produced versions had a wire loop (ring) suspension and later were made with a knob suspension? Were both types produced during WW2 or is it impossible to date them unless they are with the issue box?

 

[Bruce Linz]

Hello,

 

To answer your Navy Good Conduct Medals have never been produced with a wire loop (ring) suspension, at least to my knowledge. All World War II vintage Navy Good Conduct Medals were produced with a straight suspension bar that had a loop. A small jump ring connected the Navy Good Conduct planchet (which had a hole in the top dead center) to the straight suspension bar. Also note that the Navy officially stopped naming Good Conduct medals in 1953. Here is a photo of one.

[Bruce Linz]

This type of Navy Good Conduct Medal was produced from the late 19th Century until about 1960. In 1960 the Navy modified this medal to conform with other medals by doing away with the straight suspension bar. The medal was produced with a extruded lug or knob, a larger jump went the lug and attached the ribbon to the medal. Here is a photo:

[Simon Lerenfort]

Thank you very much Bruce, I may have confused the issue with my explanation but I have examples of both the types you have posted and I was not sure if one was later than the other. You have been very helpful.

 

Kind Regards,

Simon