chids Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 I have a set of WW1 medals for my Grandfather who served and lost his life at Gallipoli, The 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal They are all sadly missing the original ribbons. I know that you can get replica ribbons, but what would be the best solution, by replica ribbons or can you buy authentic ribbons online? many thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNCVR Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 (edited) 1WW medal ribbons (originals & reproductions) seen frequently on ebay. You should not have a problem located what you require. Some reproduction ribbons look pretty terrible tho. Original ribbons are best. Best wishes, Bryan Edited 2 May , 2020 by RNCVR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chids Posted 2 May , 2020 Author Share Posted 2 May , 2020 thanks Bryan, is there any easy way of telling a fake from an original though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNCVR Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 (edited) Yes definitely, repro ribbon looks very dissimilar to original both in appearance, weave, & texture. Repro ribbon is usually nylon as well, the watering in both is very poorly done, especially in the Victory medal. The War medal ribbon is somewhat better done, varies according to manufacturer I have some orriginal ribbon of both but I am in Canada, I will try to photo a couple examples for you & post. Edited 2 May , 2020 by RNCVR . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chids Posted 2 May , 2020 Author Share Posted 2 May , 2020 That would be brilliant, appreciate you taking the time to do that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNCVR Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 (edited) Have attached some photos of original War & Victory ribbon. Unfortunately I dont have any repro War medal ribbon! With repro War medal ribbon you wont see that rippling watered effect. It will also be synthetic material, not silk. Very fine weave, watering (also called moire, a rippling effect) is very obvious in both ribbons. Original silk Victory ribbon on left, repro Victory on right, pretty obvious difference. No watering at all in the repro ribbon, its also made of nylon or synthetic material Closeup of repro Victory ribbon. Edited 2 May , 2020 by RNCVR . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNCVR Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 Paul, I can send you some original War & Victory ribbon, but as I mentioned above I am in Canada, our postal system is still functioning. I have mailed within Canada & USA recently but nothing to UK since prior to the Coronavirus. Dont really know how mail is moving thru at yr end. It would go via Letter post(Air) so think it would reach you Ok, but it may take somewhat longer. I was just in PO yesterday & she told me that mail is moving so expect you will get it eventually. Just PM me yr mailing address pls. Best ...Bryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chids Posted 2 May , 2020 Author Share Posted 2 May , 2020 Thats very kind of you Bryan and I really appreciate your kind offer and taking the time to post the pictures, its certainly easier to tell from an image. I have sent you s Dm as well, Thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNCVR Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 Paul, I have missed the 1914-15 star (mentioned it in PM I just sent) I have a bit of orrig star ribbon, not as much as War & Victory ribbon, star ribbon for some reason much more difficult to obtain. Its been repro'd as well, lots of that around. Will try to send a couple photos shortly. Your grandfather (as he was KIA) should also have a large bronze Memorial plaque with his name embossed on it. Do you have it with his Trio? Best....Bryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNCVR Posted 2 May , 2020 Share Posted 2 May , 2020 (edited) Photos of 1914-15 star ribbon ----- Original watered silk ribbon Couple more pieces of original watered silk ribbon -- its much finer that the repro ribbon. Three types of reproduction ribbon, the watering is virtually impossible for current weaving to duplicate, so its just not of the quality of that made back in the early 1920's. The gradual blending of the three colours is also not as well done. another view of repro ribbon....the demarcation lines are pretty obvious in the bottom example. Edited 2 May , 2020 by RNCVR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chids Posted 2 May , 2020 Author Share Posted 2 May , 2020 thanks Bryan for the images and yes I have the trio of medals and the death penny, but sadly lacking ribbons for the three medals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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