Medal Query

[wizard2250]

Is there a reason for the difference in color of the attached British War Medals? I don't think it's wear....or could it be? Yes, these are all in my family! Feels good to learn something about distant relatives and to see the results of their efforts!

thanks,

shawn

Still not used to uploading multiple pictures....

[rflory]

As the ribbons for the BWM and the VM are reversed I am not sure to which of the two medals your are referring. The silver medals are British War Medals and they should have the blue and orange ribbon on them. The difference in color is due to tarnish. The bronze medals are the Victory Medal and they should have the rainbow ribbon. The difference is color is probable due to the amount of gilt finish remaining on the medals.

Regards, Gunner 1

[wizard2250]

Thanks, Gunner 1. I was told on a previous post that the ribbons were reversed (on the photo of 5 pieces) but it's only today that I saw the other 2 medals. Obviously they were mis-matched at the time they were received because pop and his brother both received them on the same day....in the same house.

thanks,

shawn

[Michael Johnson]

This is not uncommon. I suspect many men found it very difficult to fold the wider Victory ribbon to pass through the ring, and chose to use the narrower War Medal ribbon instead.

[auchonvillerssomme]

Is that true? Where on earth is that referenced? The star ribbon is round the wrong way as well.

Mick

[Droocoo]

Ok, if you switch around the British War Medal, and the Victory medal ribbons, they will be fine. Remeber that the BWM has the orange ribbon, and the Vic has the rainbow.

Now, to your question. The medals are not at all different colours. They have aged differently and thus have a different patina that has developed. However, THERE IS A BWM IN BRONZE. This is the rarest BWM, given to , mainly, Chinese labourers or non-combatant labour troops. It is made out of bronze. Click here to find a picture of the BWM in bronze, awarded to an Indian Carrier.