19 replies to this topic

[Rusty2727]

Hi Pals,

Looking for a bit of help/advise.

What i'm about to ask maybe like looking for a needle in a haystack! but if you dont ask you'll never no.

I'm trying to track down my great grandfathers Victory Medal, I have his BWM but there's no trace of the Victory Medal, i no there are a lot of collectors/dealers on here so thought it would be worth asking the question.

The name of the man in question was a Harry Billington of the Liverpool Regt. No. 201632

I have to state in no way am i trying to get the medal back, but just would like piece of mind it hasn't just vanished into thin air and would like to think someone may have it and is looking after it, plus i can stop my search for it.

Many thanks

Rusty

[KGB]

Many were melted down.

[auchonvillerssomme]

KGB, on 16 June 2012 - 03:32 PM, said:

Many were melted down.

Probably more usual that the BWM was melted down rather than the VM

[Sandie]

... and many are still available on ebay, at collector's fairs, in second hand shops etc.
I have several KLR victory medals but, sadly, your great grandfather's isn't one of them.

[anneca]

auchonvillerssomme, on 16 June 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

Probably more usual that the BWM was melted down rather than the VM

I am interested to know why - would the metal in the BWM be more valuable than the others?

[bigjohn]

Anneca they were made of silver.The Victory bronze.
  John

[Rusty2727]

That would be a shame to think it may have been melted down, hopefully not and its still out there somewhere!

Thanks Sandie, have checked regulary on ebay, but no luck as yet.

[Sandie]

I'll keep my eye out too. You often come across them when you least expect to.
It might be worth getting in touch with Liverpool Museum. It's a long shot but they keep the KLR archives and are often offered medals.

[Rusty2727]

Thats a great idea Sandie, thanks for that, i'll give that a shot on monday! willing to try anything really, just having another look on ebay as its been over a week since i last looked, came across two KLR men so far, so you never no eh!

[Sandie]

You could also trying the British Medals Forum: http://www.britishme...be8813a909ea057

[Stebie9173]

On Auction sites register and save a search so that you will get e-mail notifications. It worked for me.


Steve.

[80th division]

The search engine on the BMF forum for the name 'Billington' only returns a 1903 Tibet medal to a private W. Billington in the Royal Fusiliers. This search engine searches dealer stock on a number of sites.

Good luck in your attempt to find the Victory Medal.

Is it possible that the medals were given to different family members and the Victory may be in another branch of the family?

Regards,

Joseph

[auchonvillerssomme]

It only took me 16 years to find the victory medal I wanted and that only came about because I was browsing ebay and for some reason I clicked on a description 'Medal to Green Howards'!

[anneca]

bigjohn, on 16 June 2012 - 03:46 PM, said:

Anneca they were made of silver.The Victory bronze.
  John

Thanks John - I have the Victory which I knew was bronze, but not sadly not the others.

[Rusty2727]

Thanks Sandie, I've registered with the BMF just waiting for the confirmation email, i can get my posting up once that arrives, thanks for that.

Steve, i'm pretty much a novice when it comes to auction sites, could you name a few for me where i could register?

Joseph, I have tried the family route, family member that are still alive dont really have any info, my auntie had the BWM which she asked for when her grandad died in 1966 but she doesn't recall there being any others, but that could just be a memory thing! there should also be a Mercantile Marine medal also which i no Harry claimed in 1924.

Auchonvillerssomme i have the feeling it may take me the same length of time if ever to find out what happend to them!.....kind of sad really.

But thank you guy's for all your input so far, really appreciate you all taking time to leave messages.

Russ

[KGB]

Yes BWM had a high silver content. How do I put names of my family underneath here? You know "Remembering Pte K..."?

[Rusty2727]

Goto my settings, on the left is signature, type in what you want there for it to appear at the bottom of your comments ect.

[KGB]

Hi Rusty, first day I was stuck on the "type agreement here" bit and today signatures. It is rather akin to driving a new car, just after posting that I had an "A-ha!" moment!

[buckie33]

I dont have my great grandfathers medals, my great cousin has them, hopefully I will get them since im the only one that has shown interest. He got the Victory medal, Territorial Medal, British War Medal and the 1914/15 Star Medal.

[KGB]

Many old soldiers sold theirs in the 1929 depression.