United Kingdom. A Lot of Six Second War Medals and Awards

1. A Defence Medal. Instituted August 16th, 1945. A circular medal, constructed of cupro-nickel, suspended from a single-toe claw attached to the center of the award with a slotted bar, suspended from its period-original ribbon (with evidence of previous collector’s mounting), the obverse depicting the leftward facing effigy of King George VI, circumscribed by his name and official title, the reverse consisting of a royal crown resting on the stump of an oak tree, flanked by a lion and lioness and inscribed “1939”, “1945” and “The Defence Medal” in capital letters, unmarked, measuring 36.1 mm in diameter, weighing 32.50 grams. 

2. A War Medal 1939-1945. Instituted August 16th, 1945. A circular medal, constructed of cupro-nickel, suspended from a single-toe claw attached to the center of the award with a slotted bar, suspended from its period-original ribbon (with evidence of previous collector’s mounting), the obverse depicting the leftward facing crowned effigy of King George VI, circumscribed by his name and official title, the reverse depicting a lion standing on the body of a double-headed dragon, and inscribed “1939/1945”, unmarked, measuring 36.2 mm in diameter, weighing 32.00 grams.

3. A Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (Médaille canadienne du volontaire). Instituted October 22nd, 1943. A circular medal constructed of silver, suspended from a single-toe claw attached to the center of the award with a slotted bar, suspended from its period original multi-coloured ribbon, the obverse depicting seven marching figures, inscribed with “1939 Canada 1945 Voluntary Service Volontaire”, the reverse depicting the stylized Coat of Arms of Canada, measuring 36.4 mm in diameter, weighing 38.72 grams.

4. An Italy Star. Instituted in May, 1945. Consisting of a six-pointed star constructed of a copper-zinc alloy, with a fixed horizontally-pierced loop and swivel ring for suspension from its period original ribbon (with evidence of previous collector’s mounting) with a ribbon bar inscribed “8th Army”, the obverse depicting the design of the Royal and Imperial cypher surmounted by a crown, circumscribed with the words “The Italy Star” in capital letters, the reverse plain, unmarked, measuring 38.0 mm (w) x 49.9 mm (l), weighing 18.16 grams.

5. A 1939-1945 Star. Instituted July 8th, 1943. Consisting of a six-pointed star constructed of a copper-zinc alloy, with a fixed horizontally-pierced loop and swivel ring for suspension from its period-original ribbon (with evidence of previous collector’s mounting), the obverse depicting the design of the Royal and Imperial cypher surmounted by a crown, circumscribed with the words “The 1939-1945 Star” in capital letters, the reverse plain, unmarked, measuring 43.6 mm (w) x 49.7 mm (l), weighing 18.0 grams.

6. A France and Germany Star. Instituted in May 1945. Consisting of a six-pointed star constructed of a copper-zinc alloy, with a fixed horizontally-pierced loop and swivel ring for suspension from its period-original ribbon (with evidence of previous collector’s mounting), the obverse depicting the design of the Royal and Imperial cypher surmounted by a crown, circumscribed with the words “The France and Germany Star” in capital letters, the reverse plain, unmarked, measuring 37.9 mm (w) x 49.9 mm (l), weighing 19.43 grams.

Most medals and awards with patina from age and wear, the ribbons with evidence of previous collector’s mounting, and some with glue residue on the reverse from having stickers applied, condition ranging from very fine to extremely fine.