Article about: WWI era Swiss medal in silver, supporting soldier's and their families by way of donations - written in French, Swiss and Italian. I believe these are a type of fob, but this one came with a
WWI era Swiss medal in silver, supporting soldier's and their families
by way of donations - written in French, Swiss and Italian. I believe
these are a type of fob, but this one came with a ribbon.
They were also available in bronze and as well a pin-back version,
and possibly a larger wall plaque, depending on the amount
of the donation I suppose. Sculpted by the popular and
talented artist of the time, Hans Frei.........
That is a nice looking medallion and the helmet certainly has a Teutonic look about it, but the fact is that it's an American design. During 1917-18, the Ordnance Department of the Army worked with the Chief Armorer and the Armor Committee of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art to design a suit of upper body armor. Hale & Kilburn Company in Philadelphia manufactured the various pieces, including the helmets. The helmets went through eight variations, all similar in appearance, but only the No. 5 model was recommended for production. The U.S. Army General Staff rejected the design and the Swiss Army subsequently adopted the Type 5 helmet as its standard army helmet. The source for this is, America's Munitions, 1917-18: Report of Benedict Crowell, Assistant Secretary of War and Director of Munitions, Washington: GPO 1919, pp. 225-26. Dwight
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