Material: Bronze-finished alloy
Size: 36mm h × 36mm w
Description: This prestigious military decoration represents the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be bestowed upon members of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces. The dark bronze award is shaped as a Maltese cross, featuring a central design of the crown of Saint Edward surmounted by a statant guardant lion, the traditional symbol of royal majesty. Below the crown, a semicircular scroll is inscribed with the famous words "FOR VALOUR". Measuring 36mm by 36mm, the cross connects via a link to an ornate suspension bar decorated with classic laurel leaves, which holds a solid crimson ribbon meant for formal dress uniform wear.
Reverse: Circular center with plain field for recipient’s name (uninscribed display model), surrounded by the Maltese cross design.
Circa: Mid 20th Century display model
Notes:
The Victoria Cross is legendary among phalerists because every single official award is traditionally sand-cast rather than die-stamped, utilizing bronze sourced directly from captured Russian cannons taken during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. Because this specific example features a completely unmarked reverse side, it is identified as a premium collector's copy, museum-quality replica, or theatrical reproduction piece. Authentic, officially awarded medals are explicitly engraved on the reverse of the suspension bar with the recipient's rank, name, and regiment, while the reverse of the cross itself is engraved with the exact date of the heroic action. Genuine pieces are exceptionally rare and protected by national heritage laws, with surviving examples frequently commanding hundreds of thousands of dollars at specialized international auction houses.
High-quality replicas like this one are highly respected within the militaria community because they allow museums, historical reenactors, and families of veterans to safely display a legendary medal without risking a priceless original. Authentic Victoria Crosses feature a distinct circular indentation on the reverse where Hancocks of London jewelers would hand-engrave the exact date of the gallantry action, while the back of the suspension bar would bear the recipient's name, rank, and military regiment. Because genuine medals are locked away in high-security bank vaults or museum exhibits, collectors actively seek out crisp, well-cast bronze replicas that mimic the authentic heavy metal weight and natural aging characteristics of the famous Crimean War cannon bronze.
Because of the authentic wear on this item and the fact it was stored for 30 - 50 years i feel it could be an authentic display model or unissued strike. Further research required.