Need Assistance With Unusual WW1 Campaign Clasp on Vittorio-Veneto / Defensive Sector Medal ?

[dpast32]

Need Assistance With Unusual WW1 Campaign Clasp on Vittorio-Veneto / Defensive Sector Medal ?

 

  Good Morning Folks,  Well, I've most unfortunately appear to have an issue of sorts with one of my favorite WW1 era Medal Groups. Now, before I declare this an actual issue per se, I would honestly like to determine exactly what I have, & its authenticity ? Sooooo, explained below is what I'm referring to.

My WW1 Campaign Medal, with Clasps Vittorio-Veneto & Defensive Sector, as awarded to, in my case the USAS 571st Ambulance Section in Italy, is definitely different as compared to other examples I've encountered. [ Please view the Photos enclosed below. ] Both of my Clasps are flanked with Stars [*] substantially larger than any other examples I've viewed ? Now, could this possibly be an unauthorized production run, Foreign manufacture piece, an very early U.S. production run, produced prior to someone deciding to reduce the size of the Stars ? The relative possibilities are few, yet I won't be happy until I determine where it originated from, along with who manufactured it, & of course its authenticity, as in are they original U.S. Government  production, or something else ? If anyone here happens to know anything regarding these usual Victory Medal Clasps / Bars, I would be extremely appreciative for any information they may share !! THANK YOU !!

 

             Best regards,    Dom P.

 

 

NOTE:  'My' example is the uppermost Medal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Brian Keith]

I would suggest you get a copy of this book: World War I - Victory Medals Paperback – by James P. Michels Jr. (Author), Michael A. Podgorski (Editor), Catherine A. Buckles (Editor).

It goes into excellent detail about the production, makers, clasps and bars and other details. Very interesting book and it should answer your questions. Easily available on amazon.

Best Regards,

BKW

[USMCR79]

They resemble France made clasps from the 1920's for the collector/veteran market - Unfortunately they are not original US issue. If you had a France made WWI Victory they would look great on it.

 

Bill

[dpast32]

THANK YOU very much, I appreciate your reply. That of course was amongst my possibilities, as I honestly can't recall where, but I have observed similar examples in some Book, or possibly in person somewhere. You do have to admit though, it does appear to be a period piece in all respects ? Other than those 'Stars', the recipient was without doubt authorized both the Medals affixed Clasps. I guess I could replace it should I ever have the opportunity, as I'm sure you're aware, the VV / DS combination is not amongst the frequently observed variants. I've included a few of the recipient's Documents showing his Medal entitlement. 

 

              Best,     Dom P.

 

 

[dpast32]

THANKS Guys, Yes, I’ve had Jim’s excellent Publication for a while now, but haven’t been able to find another example either exactly like, or even similar to mine above ? ( Unless of course I’m missing it in the Book somewhere ? ) Hopefully, Jim himself will chime in here & solve this mystery once & for all ? I plan on keeping it with the other items in his Group, at least until I can replace it with another example, or dependent upon what I learn I just might keep it. 
 

       Best,  Dom P.