Plastic suspension

[desantnik]

One must be extra careful buying an undocumented ribbon bar like this. Frequently sellers just slap on unassociated numbered serial numbered medals they have to get rid of them.

Judging by my serial number awarding organization data base and even condition on all awards, I would be willing to bet this is the real deal and not something someone just slapped together on a good, but empty "rack".

[SGM (ret.)]

I saw this last one posted on eBay, too, and wondered about it. In the reverse view especially, there doesn't seem to be any wear from the individual medals rubbing against each other. So I'm curious if these medals are actually original to the suspension bar.

But be that as it may, though, it's an interesting, maybe unique, item.

Each of the three suspension bars posted in this thread is constructed differently from each of the others. The basic idea is the same, but the bars are unique (different pins, one with rivets holding the front to the back, backer plates seem to be made of different metals, etc).

Were these "one off" custom constructs or factory made?

The last bar (the last one from eBay) shows all the indications of being hand-made. Note in the reverse view that the angle cuts along the bottom are actually very uneven and the holes drilled for the suspension links are different distances from the bottom edge. Also, in the obverse view, the edges on the "ribbon" paint colors are not very "crisp."

It all looks like a hand-crafted item to me.

Mike

[desantnik]

Originally Posted by SGM (ret.)

It all looks like a hand-crafted item to me.

Mike

I agree with that assessment. A special-order deal from the voentorg - their equivalent of a PX/BX.

There is plenty of "ding" wear visible on all three of the silver awards - on the glory in particular look on the reverse 9 o'clock ray.

[SGM (ret.)]

I see the wear that you note on the reverse of the glory.

Are these "hard ribbon" suspension bars very common?

[desantnik]

Originally Posted by SGM (ret.)

I see the wear that you note on the reverse of the glory.

Are these "hard ribbon" suspension bars very common?

Not really. When they do show up, they are frequently chipped. They also run the danger of being "thrown together" by unscrupulous people as I mentioned above.

[EricFG]

Here's another variation. Currently on E. Pretty nice. I'd take a flier on it with the idea of restoring it but for the Belgrade on the end; too pricey that.

[Ruiz]

From my collection, it´s from a veteran of WWII, I have the military card too.

[Jeffrey Meffert]

Most I see of these are brass. Is this galvanized steel? If so, way cool.

[Ruiz]

it´s like galvanized steel