Dave Posted September 14, 2017 Share #1 Posted September 14, 2017 So here's an interesting one. If I saw this at a show, I'd automatically think "privately done" and walk on. And that's what I thought when I saw it on eBay. BUT...then...I started looking at it more. If the date wasn't on there, I'd definitely say this was an officially engraved example from the KW time period. So my brain started churning...does this mean that someone privately had the ability to do "official" government engraving? It was done via pantograph, so technically that idea isn't impossible...but that would mean that then anyone could churn these out. OR, did the government "officially" engrave dates on reissue medals at some point? My mind is still churning on this one. I love examples that throw a wrinkle in what we believe to be "true"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom2001 Posted September 14, 2017 Share #2 Posted September 14, 2017 Looks a little rough compared to "official" machine engraving. But remember, the military did not have an exclusive contract with machine manufacturers. At the time, you too could buy an engraving machine. Fonts were pretty standard too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted September 14, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted September 14, 2017 Looks a little rough compared to "official" machine engraving. But remember, the military did not have an exclusive contract with machine manufacturers. At the time, you too could buy an engraving machine. Fonts were pretty standard too. You do have a good point, though I don't know if the roughness is from the photo, or how it is. Two things I've found is that these are tough to photograph well (especially in my photo box, looking down on the medal) and also they do vary a bit as far as engraving is concerned. Some are deeper, some have the letters closer together, etc. I used to think they were all the same, but I've been surprised! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratasfan Posted September 14, 2017 Share #4 Posted September 14, 2017 Another interesting thing . . . the only "Earl J." Wenmouth in the Veteran's BIRLS file, WWII Enlistment and SSN Death Index actually only enlisted in Dec 1942. He made Tec5 in the Army. Odd, though, not to find any other options when this has a June date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted September 14, 2017 Share #5 Posted September 14, 2017 THe US wasnt in North Africa at this time for an award. There was US forces in the Aleutians but didnt see any significant battle in the time frame Corrigador had already fallen as well as Bataan. Stilwell was exiting Burma Curious what the the award was for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now