Division Espanola De Voluntarios En Russia

[thecyclist64]

Good afternoon everybody. The second of my two purchases today is this Spanish volunteers medal, complete with miniature. Apologies if this is on the wrong part of the forum, but I couldn't find anywhere more suitable.

I picked it up on a whim and was looking for some opinions on authenticity please. The ribbon appears to be a replacement and I have no idea if anybody is faking these things or how prevelant those fakes may be. I didn't pay much for it, so it was worth taking a risk.

[thecyclist64]

Hi Guys. I though I would bump this up the thread to see if any experts missed it first time around. I have found some old threads under the titles of Spanish Blue Division medal and Blue Division Spanish medal. Mine doesnt seem to fit any of the fake or original examples, so I was hoping somebody could give a definative answer. Many thanks in advance.

[toot]

I think you did well. looks OK to me. I could be wrong.

[Aldo]

Hello, it looks like a fine example of a German issue medal. It still retains most of it's gold plating, many are worn down to the zinc. Does the medal have a pin-back or just the loose ended ribbon ? The Spaniards also produced their own version with slight differences for veterans and replacements. The miniature version may be Spanish manufactured based on the clasp. Here are few of mine for visual comparison. The one with the ball suspension and large buckle clasp is Spanish made. Cheers Al.

[thecyclist64]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies. I nearly missed them due to the lack of responses since posting.

Aldo, the ribbon doesn't have any type of pin, it looks like a replacement as it glows under UV light. I agree that the miniature is Spanish made due to the clasp. I have seen this type on the full size Spanish versions. I'm so glad that I've had some positive verification as I paid very little money for it from a non-specialist dealer who obviously didn't realise what he had. Nice collection by the way Aldo.

[Aldo]

Thanks, yes I forgot to mention that the ribbon is probably a replacement based on the vibrant color and condition. That is pretty common on these unless you get one with an original pin-back like the one in my pictures. A nice original medal sells for about $100 to $150 so if you got it cheap, you did well. here's a glimpse of My Spanish items if you are interested.

Cheers, Al

LINK: Spanish Civil War / Blue Division Volunteer Collection

[thecyclist64]

I paid £30 for the pair, or $50. Nice collection. I thought you just specialised in stick-pins.

[thecyclist64]

Absolutely fantastic collection

[toot]

WOW!! that is just a killer collection!! now we all know where they have all gone and can't find them?? it is a superb collection, thanks for sharing them with us.