tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Share #1 Posted August 29, 2012 I'm posting pics of 2 CIvil War campaign medals that I recently picked up. One is an army medal and the other is the navy one. I purchased them as a lot from a dealer friend of mine. I believe the navy medal is spot on, though maybe a later strike. The numbering looks correct to me. The army medal supposedly had a new ribbon put on at some point. I have a few concerns about it. It seems a bit off to me and I can't quite put my finger on it. The numbering also makes me question the authenticity. What is the value of these medals? How would I go about trying to identify their original owners? Thanks much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #2 Posted August 29, 2012 Another view Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #3 Posted August 29, 2012 The Navy Medal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted August 29, 2012 Another Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #5 Posted August 29, 2012 And another Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #6 Posted August 29, 2012 And the finale... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtA Posted August 29, 2012 Share #7 Posted August 29, 2012 Which medal has which number? Is the No prefixed number on the Navy? Navy medals shouldn't have that. However, whichever medal has that No prefixed number is no good. An Army CW Medal with an No prefix is a rare and valuable medal. However, I don't care for that numbering. If the small unprefixed # is on the Army, it "might" be ok, as some later contract medals had numbering similar to that. The Navy medal definitely has fake numbering, as the words, "For Service" on the reverse are straight, not curved. An original numbered Navy should have those words, curved, not straight. And, the numbering on a Navy CW medal was very distinctive, as done by BB&B. Neither of these numbers are in the correct style for a Navy medal. Good thing the dealer is a friend, as you need to get your money back on at least the Navy Medal. Not sure about the Army (if that one has the small numbers, it "may" be ok, but I'm not sure). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted August 29, 2012 Thanks for the info. I did some research before the purchase, but obviously didn't pick up the details that you pointed out. The army one indeed has no prefix, while the navy one does. I can very easily get my money back on the transaction, which is why I did purchased them in the first place. Which medal has which number? Is the No prefixed number on the Navy? Navy medals shouldn't have that. However, whichever medal has that No prefixed number is no good. An Army CW Medal with an No prefix is a rare and valuable medal. However, I don't care for that numbering. If the small unprefixed # is on the Army, it "might" be ok, as some later contract medals had numbering similar to that. The Navy medal definitely has fake numbering, as the words, "For Service" on the reverse are straight, not curved. An original numbered Navy should have those words, curved, not straight. And, the numbering on a Navy CW medal was very distinctive, as done by BB&B. Neither of these numbers are in the correct style for a Navy medal. Good thing the dealer is a friend, as you need to get your money back on at least the Navy Medal. Not sure about the Army (if that one has the small numbers, it "may" be ok, but I'm not sure). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 29, 2012 Share #9 Posted August 29, 2012 The Army Civil War is a 1930's contract piece and looks OK. The numbre is not traceable. I agree with KURTA that the Navy medal is bad and you need to get your money back. Someone is getting creative with numbering. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #10 Posted August 29, 2012 What is the approximate value of the army medal with the replacement ribbon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share #11 Posted August 29, 2012 This link:http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74470 seems to indicate that there was one company that produced a straight "For Service." Is that true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankEaton01 Posted August 29, 2012 Share #12 Posted August 29, 2012 Yes, it's true that the US Mint did produce Navy campaign medals with a straight "For Service" on the reverse. However, I agree with the two Kurts that this medal isn't one of them. The coppery finish, suspension ring, numbering, and WWI Victory Medal style wrap brooch are not consistent with Mint pieces. Based on the style of numbering, your Army Civil War was manufactured by the Joseph Mayer Co. Values are always subjective, but I've seen examples in similar condition sell in the $250 - $300 range. This link:http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74470 seems to indicate that there was one company that produced a straight "For Service." Is that true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsgalloway Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share #13 Posted September 5, 2012 Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it. I learn at least one thing daily on this forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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