Lost Skeleton
Well-known member
In recent years, I have become increasingly interested in collecting British and Commonwealth medals and decorations. Because they are named to the recipient, gallantry awards are documented and researchable through the London Gazette, Medal Index Cards, War Office and Admiralty records, and subsequently offer a new dimension of individuality to the hobby. As much as I like Iron Crosses, they are, by and large, anonymous. Furthermore, the likelihood of acquiring faked or fraudulent medals is considerably less than is the case with German awards (which have rapidly fallen victim to the fake of the month club).
One of the more challenging British medals to acquire is the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The following links provide useful background on this award:
http://www.britishwargraves.org.uk/newsite/medals/Distinguished_Conduct_Medal.htm
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/cmdp/mainmenu/group01/dcm
Until 1902, the obverse of the medal bore a trophy of arms, as exemplified by this Spink miniature from the Second Boer War. The full size medal, though identical, is actually a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with an original DCM ribbon and included solely for scale. The loose ribbon came with the boxed miniatures
In 1895, a Dominion and Colonial variant was authorized. These bear the name of the issuing country or colony. The Natal DCM was awarded only nine times, and my unnamed, unissued example is perhaps the rarest example of government surplus in the world.
This Great War DCM was awarded to Gunner J. M. Mortimer, Royal Field Artillery, Territorial Forces.
Mortimer's number, name, and unit are impressed in capitals along the rim. The medal rests upon Mortimer's citation in the London Gazette.
Chas.
One of the more challenging British medals to acquire is the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The following links provide useful background on this award:
http://www.britishwargraves.org.uk/newsite/medals/Distinguished_Conduct_Medal.htm
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/cmdp/mainmenu/group01/dcm
Until 1902, the obverse of the medal bore a trophy of arms, as exemplified by this Spink miniature from the Second Boer War. The full size medal, though identical, is actually a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with an original DCM ribbon and included solely for scale. The loose ribbon came with the boxed miniatures
In 1895, a Dominion and Colonial variant was authorized. These bear the name of the issuing country or colony. The Natal DCM was awarded only nine times, and my unnamed, unissued example is perhaps the rarest example of government surplus in the world.
This Great War DCM was awarded to Gunner J. M. Mortimer, Royal Field Artillery, Territorial Forces.
Mortimer's number, name, and unit are impressed in capitals along the rim. The medal rests upon Mortimer's citation in the London Gazette.
Chas.
