Author Archives: Fred Borgmann

Aluminum wasn’t always the most common metal around. Back in the early 1800’s when the process was first discovered that enabled the manufacture of aluminum in metal form aluminum was considered to be very rare and valuable. It was a … Continue reading →

Throughout history strong fortifications were only successful as a short term tactic. They work well if the intent is to delay an enemy long enough for the defender’s allies to come to their aid. If used as a long term … Continue reading →

Wuerttemberg Battle Credit Medals Since the Second World War the United States has been adding battle or campaign stars to the ribbons of campaign medals. Each small bronze star represents participation one battle or campaign and the small silver version … Continue reading →

On the OMSA forum a question was asked about what kind of ribbon the Albany, NY Span.-Am. Medal was issued on. In doing the research on this medal I found some similarities between medals and coins that some may find … Continue reading →

As collectors we run across the medals and badges of fraternal societies frequently. Rarely encountered, in my experience, are the medals of the Catholic Order Of Foresters. The C.O. F.. is a mutual benefit life insurance society established in Chicago … Continue reading →

  My wife and I just got back from five days of bumming around the western half of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It was a pleasant trip including a tour of an abandoned copper mine which was very cold and dark … Continue reading →

Up until WWII, parade flags were an important part of German and European pageantry. These flags were state of the art craftsmanship usually made of two pieces of silk heavily embroidered with bullion thread and in full color featuring coats … Continue reading →