Gentlemen,

We are all only able to compare any items (and in this case photographs of the items) to what we consider to be correct. In my opinion there is no definitive authority on the subject.

I had the pleasure of discussing the 1916 medal, with the son of the gentleman who made the 1942 & 1943 batches. He explained to me some of the methods used in manufacturer especially relating to the addition of the ring.

I have also traced the decedent of the owner of the company that used the ONLY other die in the manufacturer of the 1970’s version of the 1916 medal.

My web site has allowed me meet over a dozen owners of medals of family members who still have their medals and others who sold me medal sets that I added to what I consider is my extensive collection of this item.

 At least 3 other readers of this forum who have not posted on the subject have quantities of 1916 medals in the same range. I do not believe anyone anywhere could have a medal that has been authenticated by a number of “experts”. If a number of experts exist I think they are in 4 different countries (and 3 continents)

I have posted here before showing a 1916 medal I received direct from the estate of my grandfathers best friend who fought in Jacobs (or didn’t actually fight very much as is probably nearer the truth at this location). This medal was shown to one of the two main Dublin auction houses, where the medal was deemed a fake. Further documentation & a little research have proven it is one of the 1970’s manufactured medals. My point is who is “an expert” .

The eBay medal version for sale at 30 euro approx. is exactly as it claims to be. A poor quality reproduction. No-one will confuse it with an original and thus it can be ignored.

The Australian coy (as shown on my site) will not fool anyone who has access to a real 1916 medal for comparison purposes. I don’t believe that this is the medal under discussion on this forum.

There is however another copy. I do not posses it but I was able to examine one when it went for sale at a Republican & Loyalist memorabilia sale in Victor Mee's auction house two years ago in Cloverhill on the Cavan /Fermanagh border. This medal was also viewed by a chairperson of The Medal Society of Ireland and it was withdrawn from the auction as its authenticity was in doubt.

I believe this was an example of a very real attempt to manufacturer fakes to fool the public. I believe that most purchasers could be fooled by this medal.

The other medal set with provenance sold that day was authentic.

Provenance from the recipients family is the only proof of a real medal, all others, I believe, could be fakes.

There are a number of errors and tell tale signs with this latest fake medal, but if there is a forger out there, and I believe there is, then it would not serve any purposes for any of us to make him aware of the inaccuracies on this public forum.

Gentlemen, I may be incorrect in my belief, however I may be correct. I look forward to your comments and criticisms of my post on this topic.