Navy West Indies Campaign Medal

[gap]

I’m a newbie to medals. Any chance the recipient of this medal  (No. 3596) can be identified?

 

Also, any tips on how to re-ribbon this medal? Can I use the original ribbon or would I need a new ribbon. Are replacement ribbons available to purchase?  

[collectsmedals]

First let me say that this is a very nice medal despite the condition of the ribbon. This medal is relatively rare because in 1910 the issuance of this medal was suspended in favor of the Spanish Campaign Medal, resulting in there only being about 2500 of the West Indies Campaign Medals produced for the Navy and about 400 for the Marine Corps. Unfortunately I do not believe they are tracible by number.

 

This is just my opinion, but as far as the ribbon goes I would display the medal as is in a frame or case. For me having the original ribbon is more important than having a more intact replacement. With the ribbon's condition I would not attempt to mount the medal. Also, in many cases these medals were re-ribboned with the yellow and blue Spanish Campaign medal ribbon, so having the original yellow and red ribbon is a bonus.

 

As you said you were a newbie to medals I will make one additional comment. This is not criticism but an opportunity to learn. You state the medal is No. 3596. Your medal is 3596, the number is not prefixed. While it does not apply to this medal, some medals have un-prefixed numbers as yours does, some have No. prefixed Numbers, and some have M.No. prefixed numbers, and some are not numbered at all. See the attached photos.

[Fromthepastcollections]

Beautiful Medal! Replacing the ribbon isn't necessarily out of the question as some members of the forum do some incredible work re-ribboning medals using time period authentic ribbons so that still could be an option if you so choose. I personally have had a few done to include my Sampson Medal from the USS Texas to Chaplain Jones as the ribbon was so beat up but ive made sure to still keep it with the collection.

 

Austin

[gap]

Who can I contact about re-ribboning this medal? 

[USMCR79]

On 8/11/2022 at 2:46 PM, gap said:

Who can I contact about re-ribboning this medal? 

https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/profile/134470-mmcollector/

[KurtA]

I would put that original ribbon back thru the ring and reattach the brooch. A worn planchet with the original worn ribbon would look much better than a worn planchet with bright new ribbon. New ribbon wouldn’t have a good look. The contrast would be odd. 

[gap]

The ribbon is falling apart, I don’t think any further handling of it would be a good thing.