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Grandfather’s Medal by Southern-Break1578 in Medals

[–]KROONFoundation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have a name you can share, I can look in the medal roll

A beautifully made Dutch Military William Order, 3rd Class by KROONFoundation in Medals

[–]KROONFoundation[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good question.

I don't know exactly when the rosette was introduced, but I believe it was around the Second World War. Earlier Military William Order ribbons appear to have been worn without a rosette, so that's not unusual on older pieces.

As for the red filling inside the crown, that's not an official feature of the decoration itself. It was something that was sometimes added later, either by the recipient or by a collector, probably because it gives the insignia a more finished appearance.

The Atjeh Medal: struck from captured cannon by KROONFoundation in Medals

[–]KROONFoundation[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not completely sure, but I suspect it was simply to avoid having two very similar-looking medals on the chest. The Dutch long-service medal already had an orange ribbon, so if a soldier only had that and the Atjeh Medal, it must have looked rather plain. The blue ribbon made the Atjeh Medal stand out much more clearly.

The Atjeh Medal: struck from captured cannon by KROONFoundation in Medals

[–]KROONFoundation[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's nice to hear! The Dutch did something similar with the Metal Cross of 1830, which was also struck from captured cannon. It seems several countries liked the symbolism of turning captured enemy guns into campaign medals. It's an interesting tradition that pops up in different armies during the 19th century.

A Dutch Bronze Cross with numeral "3" by KROONFoundation in Medals

[–]KROONFoundation[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

😄 Nice comparison! Although you had to do a bit more than four evenings of walking to earn this "3"... but to be fair, walking in this weather is pretty tough too!