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MEDALS, AWARDS & COMMEMORATIVE MOMENTOS of the IDF:
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"Heroism Monument to the Forgers (Penetrators) of the Way to Jerusalem" / "Road of Heroism Monument" medal (ND), 1948-49; minted in silver by "Aurum" company; weight: 5.6g; size (medal + 1st tallion): 28.5mm x 39mm.
Trapezoid shaped tallion with leafed(?) frame depicting what is also known as the "Heroism Road Monument", with legend in English "Monument to the Heroes of Jerusalem" on either side; on the monument, in Hebrew at top is the Biblical quotation "If I Forget Thee O Jerusalem May My Right Hand Forget its Cunning" with the IDF's emblem above, and further below among the bricks the words "Monument to the Forgers of the Way to Jerusalem" ("Gilad LePortzei Yerushalayim"); at top left is a factory(?) mark: the number "17" inside the Hebrew letter "Mem" (perhaps meaning "Factory 17" - "Mifal 17"). The reverse is plain apart from the manufacturer's triangular stamp with "Product of Israel" in Hebrew.
This is not an official Israeli Army medal, but given its ribbon it may have been issued privately to those involved in either the creation of the road to Jerusalem (which involved several foreign volunteers in the IDF - "Machal" members), or in the erection of the monument (1948).
Unlikely to have been a tourist momento as there is no touristic connection with the monument itself. The erection of the monument crowns a vital achievement of the time: the completion of a bypass route to beseiged Jerusalem, whose only route till then was the Latrun road (at that time, in spite of numerous Israeli attempts to capture it, in Jordanian Arab Legion control).
The bypass originated as an improvision devised by Col. David Marcus, called the "Burma Road" (Marcus himself was accidentally killed in June of that year and a separate monument built in his honor in Abu Gosh, where he was killed - some sources mistakenly attribute the monument here to him) but it was a dust road, rocky and winding and difficult to traverse, so a parallel wider road was built further south between September and December 1948 and known as the "Road of Heroism" ("Kvish HaGvura").
The creation of the road was vital to Jewish Jerusalem's survival and so - in national spirit - to all of Israel, as evidenced by the stature of the event: the Chief of Staff and the Prime Minister/Minister of Defence David Ben-Gurion attended the foundation of the monument's keystone (7 Dec. 1948), and in his address said "The road we are inaugurating today is the embodiment of the apex of wartime effort for the homeland and independence because by it is connected the most tragic as well as the most heroic battle since we were forced to stand at the gates before our numerous enemies - the battle for Jerusalem". The monument is one of a series now maintained by the Engineers Corps of the IDF. In VF.
More pictures: front of tallion, back of tallion, front of medal with ribbon, reverse of medal with ribbon
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Item Code: 0130654 Price: $300
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IDF Adjutancy Corps ("Kheyl Shalishut") uniface medal of appreciation, circa. 1960's; struck in tombak; weight: 95.55g; size: 59.5mm. Depicts miniature of the Israel Defence Force's emblem at top and the Chief Adjutancy on the lower left, with legend "With Completion of Your Service at the Chief Adjutancy, with appreciation Col. Chaim Barzel (Barlizai) the Chief Adjutant".
Chaim Barzel served as the Chief Adjutant and later as the IDF's Chief Surgeon before retiring at the rank of Brigadier General ("Tat-Aluf"); he subsequently became the director of the Bnei Yehuda football club in Tel Aviv in the 2000's. In UNC.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130117 Price: $50
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IDF 14th Armored ("Bison") Brigade Yom Kippur War commemorative medal, 1973; struck in bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 89.95g; size, 59mm: the obverse depicts a stylized tank blending into the number 14, with legend in Hebrew (quotation from the book of Tehilim, 127, 4) "As arrows in the hands of the mighty, thus the sons of youth are glorious"; on reverse a flag image and a similar image which may be a flame, with legend "Yom Kippur War" above.
The 14th Brigade was assigned to the western coast of the Sinai peninsula and so sustained the force of the Egyptian blow when they attacked by surprise; for the duration of the War the Brigade attempted to tem and reverse the Egyptian advance. In UNC, with lacquered surface whose loss in places gives the incorrect impression of wear.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130061 Price: $125
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IDF 600th Armored Brigade ("Khativat Shesh Meot") Yom Kippur War silvered commemorative plaque, circa. 1973-74: obverse bears a map of the Brigade's operations in the Sinai Peninsula with arrows depicting its movements, with legend beneath "Yom Kippur War 5734", and quotation "And he bore honor upon his people and wore armor like a hero" from the First Book of the Maccabees (read during the Jewish holiday of Chanukka), above an upturned helmet (symbolizing the fallen); reverse bears the Brigade's emblem.
Known as the "Paths of Fire" ("Netivey haEsh") Brigade, the unit was established in 1971 and during the Yom Kippur War formed part of Ariel Sharon's 143th Division, fighting in the Sinai. The Brigade was commanded by Tuvia Raviv and was equipped with the IDF's most advance tanks, the M-60 'Patton' (known in the IDF as the "Magakh" tank).
During the critical, early stage of the War the Brigade fought Egyptian forces around the beseiged IDF outposts along the Suez, and this scene of operations is depicted on the plaque's map: the large grey patch at lower left is the Great Bitter Lake, and the circled area at far right with a few junctions is the base called "Tasa". Sharon's force was the first to circle around the Egyptians and then cross over the Suez Canal, movements which helped win the war for the IDF.
In EF-UNC with lacquered surface and light oxidation spots in places (from the copper base); no marker-marks; weight: 153.3g; size: 61mm x 61mm.
More pictures: obverse of plaque, reverse of plaque
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Item Code: 0130047 Price: $100
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IDF 82nd "Storm" Armored Battalion ("Gdud 82 - Ga'ash") token of appreciation to Major Yigal Reuveni, circa. 1970; weight: 15.1g; size: 29.5mm x 39mm: with Battalion emblem on obverse and etched dedication on reverse: "To Maj. Yigal Reuveni Momento from Battalion 82".
The 82nd was established as Israel's first tank (as opposed to "armored" - very different applications in those days) battalion on the eve of the War of Independence, in a small cafe in Tel Aviv by Yitzhak Sadeh (founder of the "Palmach"), Yigal Yadin (the future 2nd Chief of the General Staff) and a few others; it is now part of the 7th Armored Division.
Yigal Reuveni mentioned on the token appears to be the same person who served as a platoon commander of Centurion tanks in this battalion prior to the 1967 Six Day war, a deputy battalion commander in the 200th ("Steel Fist") armoured brigade in the Six Day War (which fought in the Sinai desert), and as Lieutenant-Colonel a deputy brigade commander of the 670th "Iron Chariots" brigade in the 1973 War; finally serving as operations chief of the 81st Division.
Reuveni's brigade in the '73 war was a reserve unit which reached the Golan front (on 7 Oct.) without Shermans and with few Centurions as part of the IDF's counter-attack against the Syrians. It captured the Al-Khanut outpost on the 11th and eventually protected the line from Kuneitra in the Golan heights, southwards.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130068 Price: $75
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IDF Tank Corps ("Kheyl Shiryon") momento tallion, circa. 1970s; weight - 15.2g, size - 34.5mm: obverse depicts the emblem of the Tank Corps (written in the old style "Kheyl Shiryon" rather than "Kheyl HaShiryon"); on reverse the image of the Corp's insignia (black diagonal stripes on a green field).
This item comes from a collection of Israeli Army items from the period of the Yom Kippur War (1973), and in this context the Tank Corps earned especial distinction for the fact that it fought in the largest tank battles in history - with low supplies: on the Golan Heights against the Syrian Army, for instance, two IDF tank brigades (the 7th and 188th) held offand beat back two Syrian armored and three infantry divisions.
More pictures: obverse of tallion, reverse of tallion
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Item Code: 0130155 Price: $20
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Israeli "Border Guard Day" commemoration token, 1956-1957; struck in bronze; weight: 8.7g; size: 25mm. Obverse bears emblem of the Border Guard ("Mishmar HaGvul") with legend "Border Guard Day 5717 [1956-57; in town of] Afula"; on reverse the emblem of the Soldier's Welfare Association.
The border guard originates from the IDF's "frontier guard" ("Kheyl Ha'Sfar"), and came into being as the "Border Guard" in 1953, subordinated to the Israel Police and not to the IDF, though it is a paramilitary force.
The border guard is tasked both with external border protection as well as internal order maintenance and includes the security services' leading anti-terror unit called the "Yamam" ("the special [anti-terror] police unit"). The emblem of the guard is the concrete watch-tower of a Mandatory-era "Teggart Fortress" (some accounts say it is of the fortress at Nebi Yusha), and is supposed to symbolize power and determination (ref: the founding documents of the unit). In VF-EF; JTM-EP-8.
More pictures: obverse of token, reverse of token
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Item Code: 0130134 Price: $75
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IDF 6800th Center for Combat and Replacement Equipment ("Matzlakh") Yom Kippur commemorative medal, 1973; struck in bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 81.65g; size, 60mm: a pre-designed medal for the Ordinance Corps ("Kheyl Khimush") and engraved for this specific unit; obverse depicts the Corp's emblem with Hebrew legend "The Eyes of Jacob in Recognition | 1973 | For Your Contribution to the War Effort"; reverse depicts seven small images of the activities of the Corps, with this unit's name engraved in the center.
Not to be confused with a different force known also by its initals as "Matzlakh" - the "combat photographers center" of the Communications Corps, this force's responsibility is to manage the stocks of ordinance inventory in the IDF's supplies.
An obscure sub unit within an important force during the war: as the IDF lost a lot of equipment in the initial surpise attack on Israel, the Ordinance Corps' work was vital in re-servicing damaged equipment in order to resupply the military. In EF-AU with a few light surface scratches and a few signs of red paint (perhaps the medal originally bore some red color).
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130056 Price: $100
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IDF 6800th Center for Combat and Replacement Equipment ("Matzlakh") appreciation medal (ND); struck in bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 91.95g; size, 58.5mm: unlike item 0130056 this is a specially designed medal the 6800th "Matzlakh" - obverse depicts five images of the Center's work with legend in Hebrew "From Matzlakh 6800 in Recognition"; reverse depicts the emblem of the Matzlakh.
As the medal doesn't bear a specific recipient's name, this may be a unit-specific token of appreciation from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, like the others shown above. In UNC, with lacquered surface.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130057 Price: $100
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IDF "Crossing Battalion" ("Gdud Tzlikha") Yom Kippur War commemorative medal, 1973; struck in bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 92.1g; size, 59mm: obverse depicts simple map of north-western Sinai peninsula with arrow marking the area of the crossing of the canal, with legend in Hebrew "Crossing Battalion | Yom Kippur War | Crossing of the Suez Canal 16.10.1973"; obverse shows a stylized arrow crossing a body of water towards dry land.
Though not identified on the medal and not specifically encountered in the War literature as "the" Crossing Battalion, chances are this medal commemorates the logistical work of the 605th Battalion of the Combat Engineers Corps: in 1967 the General Staff decided to create a formation whose sole purpose would be the crossing of water obstacles, and this task devolved upon the newly created 605th battalion. It seems the name "Crossing Battalion" may be an informal nickname as "gdud tzlikha" is not a coined name for a specific unit - and all those who crossed or helped others to cross the Canal compete for the glory of being the first to cross it or to help other forces cross it.
The 605th, using rubber dinghies helped elements of the armoured and paratroop corps cross the Canal on the morning of the 16th of October 1973 in operation "Knights of Hearts" and simultaneously erected 3 bridges to cross the Canal. In UNC, with lacquered surface.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130062 Price: $150
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IDF 229th Engineers Battalion ("Gdud Handassa") Yom Kippur War uniface commemorative medal, 1973; struck in bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 86.15; size, 59.5mm: obverse depicts the arming device of a weapon, with Hebrew legend around edge "Yom Kippur War 5734 | In Recognition by the Engineering Battalion 229".
Battalion 229 under the command of Lieut.-Col. Nissim Ben-Shushan was assigned to the 143th Division commanded by Ariel Sharon, and was the first unit of the IDF to cross over the Sinai Peninsula into continental Africa (Egypt) during the War (19 October 1973). The battalion cleared mines and removed surface obstacles to enable the rest of the force to penetrate into Egypt, and it also fought against Egyptian commando forces in the area.
A relatively obscure unit in the literature of this war, it may have been a reserve unit rather than a permanent standing force. In UNC, with lacquered surface.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal, detail of arming device
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Item Code: 0130055 Price: $125
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IDF Engineers Corps ("Kheyl Handasa") tallion, circa. late 1950's; struck in bronze; weight: 16.8g; size: 30mm. Obverse depicts the emblem of the Engineers Corps (written in the old style "Kheyl Handasa" rather than "Kheyl HaHandasa"); on reverse, the emblem of the Israel Defense Forces. In VF.
More pictures: obverse of tallion, reverse of tallion
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Item Code: 0130136 Price: $25
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IDF Engineers Corps ("Kheyl Handasa") momento uniface tallion, circa. late 1970's; weight: 18.65g; size: 35mm. Obverse depicts the emblem of the Engineers Corps (written in the old style "Kheyl Handasa" rather than "Kheyl HaHandasa") on the top right together with the Northern Regional Command emblem (of a deer) below, with legend "Momento from your unit".
The Engineering Corps is also known as the Combat Engineers Corps and forms part of the IDF's land forces; it's comprised of battalions and smaller specialized units. Although this token appears to be a Corps-wide momento and not associated with a specific 'local' unit, the Corps is nevertheless divided up along Regional Commands (of which there are 3), and so probably comes from the 605th "Makhatz" battalion (the name means "shock" but is an abbreviation of its functions: penetration, mining, demolition and channel-crossing) which is assigned to Northern Command.
This battalion was formed after the Yom Kippur War (1973) on the basis of a reserve channel-crossing battalion which crossed the Suez in 1973, and assigned to Northern Command in 1977. The battalion's emblem is a blazing sword on a shield of blue, yellow and black stripes. On the reverse it appears the receipient etched his name, "Ran", in small letters.
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Item Code: 0130152 Price: $20
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IDF fuel company of the Supply Corps Yom Kippur War appreciation uniface tallion, circa. 1974; weight: 21.05g; size: 36mm. Obverse depicts 3 emblems: on left is the old emblem of the Supply Corps ("Kheyl Haspaka"), on right is a stylized emblem of the 595th Supply Battalion's initials with legend "Yom Kippur War 8.10.73 Golan Heights, Sinai", and in between a fuel pipe device with the name "Fuel Company"; at base the word "In Recognition".
The Supply Corps was called so until 1975 when it was renamed the Maintenance Corps ("Kheyl Takhzuka") and finally the Logistics Corps; during the Yom Kippur War units of the Supply Corps were dispersed among the combat forces and also requisitioned civilian vehicles to transport men and material. One of the IDF's weaknesses in the War was its logistical framework, and thereafter it was completely reorganized.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130151 Price: $30
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IDF [317th] Paratroop Brigade ("Khativat haTsankhanim") Yom Kippur War silvered commemorative medal, 1973; struck in bronze; no maker mark; weight, 93.15g; size, 59mm: obverse depicts eagle with legend "Paratroop Brigade Yom Kippur War", and reverse lists the "Brigade's Battles" - "participation in the penetration into Syria, conquest of Tel-Shams, conquest of Umm-Butna, participation in the battle of the "Chinese Farm" [in the Sinai], participation in the mopping up of the Goshen agricultural zone, conquest of the Syrian part of Mount Hermon".
The emblem used in the design of the medal is not that of the famous permanent standing 35th Paratroop Brigade, which is a winged snake, but of the reserve 317th Paratroop Brigade (known as the "Eagle Formation" - in Hebrew, "Otzevet haNesher"). Nevertheless, both the regular and reserve components of the paratroop corps fought together in the same battles.
The 317th Brigade was founded in 1957 as the first reservist brigade of the Paratroop Corps and its numerical designation changed a few times, originally from 80, to 317, to 939 and finally to 226 (as it is known today). In AU, with lacquered surface and very light wear on the eagle's wings.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130054 Price: $150
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IDF 582nd Anti-Aircraft Reconaissance ("sayeret") Battalion of the 317th [Reserve] Paratroop Brigade Yom Kippur War uniface commemorative medal, 1973; struck in silvered bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 84.1g; size, 59.5mm: the obverse depicts the emblems of both the parent unit, the eagle, and of the reconnaisance battalion below, with legend in Hebrew "Paratroop Brigade 317 Reconaissance Battalion - Anti-Aircraft 582 | Yom Kippur War 6.10.1973".
The 582nd Battalion's wartime story is a metaphor for the state of improvization in the IDF before and during the war: the force was originally founded in 1970 to be an airborne anti-aircraft motorized reconaissance unit at battalion strength for operations behind enemy lines and initially assigned to the 317th Paratroop Brigade.
At the start of 1973 this battalion was disbanded on the grounds that the nature of its future activites would incur it such losses that the public wouldn't be able to tolerate it. The day after the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War the battalion was resurrected and initially assigned back to the 317th Brigade, where it fought in the Golan; about a week later it was transferred to the southern Sinai front where it was attached to the 14th Armored ("Bison") Brigade and continued its operations there, sustaining the blow of the Egyptian attack (see the list of battles accredited to the 317th in item 0130054 for the major battles in which this "sayeret" also fought). In UNC, with lacquered surface.
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Item Code: 0130059 Price: $150
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IAF 137th Anti-Aircraft Missile unit moment, circa. 1973: 22.65g, 35.5mm uniface tallion with emblem of the unit featuring a HAWK anti-aircraft missile, and legend in Hebrew "Momento from 'Yatnam' 137".
The Israel Air Force first received the HAWK missile in 1965 and absorbed them into special units then known as "surface-to-air missile units" ("Yatka" by its Hebrew abbreviation); in 1970, when the anti-aircraft corps of the Air Force was formed these units were transformed into the "anti-aircraft missile units", and in the Yom Kippur War (1973) these forces served on the Sinai front against Egypt.
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Item Code: 0130070 Price: $50
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Israel Air Force appreciation medal, circa. 1973; struck in silvered bronze(?); no maker mark; weight: 79.3g; size: 59mm. Obverse bears stylized image of 11 airplanes in motion with legend in Hebrew "In Appreciation from the Air Force"; on reverse the emblem of the air force (with old style of writing the name "Kheyl Avir" rather than "Kheyl HaAvir") with quotation from the Book of "Tehilim", "And He Will Exhalt You to Inherit the Land" (strangely spelled with two letters "yud" instead of one in "ViYeromemkha").
Likely issued in appreciation of service by a foreign citizen around the time of the Yom Kippur War (1973), and a good instance would be the air train of supplies sent to the IDF during the war to replenish its weapons stocks. In AU-UNC, with lacquered surface and a few specs of light green oxidation.
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Item Code: 0130124 Price: $100
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IAF "1st Fighter Squadron" 25 year commemorative medal, 1973: gold colored bronze medal depicting the emblem of the Israel Air Force's [101st] first fighter squadron with dates 1948 and 1973 on obverse, and stylized image of a Mystere(?) fighter plane on reverse with Hebrew legend "First Fighter Squadron". A pre 1973 War issue.
The squadron was established by Lou Lennart and Modi Alon (Israel's first air ace), and the unit's design was created by an overseas volunteer (called "Machal") at that time, Stan Andrews. During the 1948 War of Independence the squadron's members wore red baseball hats and the force became known as the "Red Squadron". Over the years the 101st Squadron used the Czech-made Messerschmidt, the Avia S-199, the Spitfire, the P-51 Mustang, the CB, Mystere, Mirage 3C, Nesher, Kfir, and now F-16c.
Around the time this medal was produced the Squadron flew the Mirage 3C, and during the 1973 War its commander Avi Lanir was captured by the Syrians after evacuating his plane, and tortured to death while in captivity. In AU, with a few areas oxidation/loss of gold patina, and a few specs of white paint; not maker-marked; weight: 93.35; size: 60mm.
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Item Code: 0130051 Price: $100
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IAF 100th ("Flying Camel") Squadron 25th anniversary commemorative medal; struck in tombak; weight: 39.85; size: 45mm: obverse depicts the emblem of the Israel Air Force with legend "11 [in the month of] Tammuz 5734" [1 July 1974]; on reverse, the emblem of the Squadron with legend "25 Years to the [founding of the] Squadron".
The 100th was the first organized squadron formed in the Air Force (8 July 1949) and served as transport squadron until today. In AU-UNC.
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Item Code: 0130154 Price: $75
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Israel Air Force Base 27 (Lod) uniface recognition medal (ND); struck in bronze; no maker-mark; weight, 93.6g; size, 59.5mm: obverse depcits symbol of the IAF bases with legend above in Hebrew "In recognition for your services at Air Force Base 27". Probably a 1973 Yom Kippur War medal of recognition for the services of the recipient (this medal, together with several others listed here, comes from a collection of Yom Kippur War recognition medals).
Base 27 was the base at Lod airfield (known in Hebrew as "Basis Kheyl haAvir Lod", whose civilian airport there is the Ben Gurion International airport), and serviced transport aircraft. Among the important wartime transportion operations that would have occured in Lod, the American airlift of arms to the IDF (starting 14 October) would have been one of the most critical. Base 27 closed in 2008 and was transferred to the Nabatim base (Base 28) in the Negev. In UNC, with lacquered surface.
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Item Code: 0130060 Price: $100
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IDF "Mamram" ("Yekhidat Makhshevim u'Maarakhot Meida" - Computer and Information Systems Center) momento token, circa. 1970's; weight: 11.4g; size: 30mm. Obverse bears emblem of the unit and the abbreviation of its name below. Mamram is a unit of the Communications Corps, considered the IDF's elite computer-unit, and is charged with managing the information systems of the IDF and was founded in 1959.
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Item Code: 0130133 Price: $40
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Israeli Navy "Shayetet 13" ("Floatilla 13") naval commando momento token, circa. 1960's; nickel; weight: 15.45g; size: 35mm. Obverse bears emblem of the unit with legend "Momento from your Unit"; on reverse emblem of the Israeli Navy.
The naval commando unit was created in 1950 from Jewish/Eretz Israeli naval commando units of the Second World War, among them the commando force of the "Combined Operations Unit" of the Royal Navy and the naval demolitions section of the Palmach's sea force, the "Palyam" (which attacked Royal Navy vessels in order to enable Holocaust survivors to reach Palestine).
The force takes its number "13" from the fact that one of its members was on board a vessel sunk in pre-State days on the 13th of a certain month, and managed to swim ashore to safety; since then (in those days), every month on the 13th, the force's members would get together to toast him. In VF.
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Item Code: 0130140 Price: $50
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IDF Ordnance Corps ("Kheyl Khimush") 10th anniversary commemoration token, 1961; weight: 17.4g; size: 30mm. Uniface tallion with emblem of the Corps and legend "[month of] Tamuz 5721 - June 1961".
The Corps originally existed from 1941 as an ordnance "section" of the pre-State "Hagana" militia, assisting the underground armaments manufacturing 'industry' Ta'as with acquiring, adapting and hiding armanents; in 1948 the function became the "ordnance service" and during the War of Independence (1947-49) various ad-hoc "basic workshops" (or "batey melakha bsisiim") were created to re-service vehicles; in 1951 an actual ordnance corps of the IDF was established.
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Item Code: 0130141 Price: $25
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Israeli Army boarding school ("Pnimia Tzvait" - "IDF Junior Command Preparatory School") in Tel Aviv uniface tallion, circa. 1970's; weight: 8.5g; size: 30mm. Obverse depicts the emblem of the boarding school (the Bible and a sword) with legend above "Military Boarding School Tel Aviv" and motto in ribbon below "In Silence and Security" (from Book of Prophets, Yeshayahu 15).
The military boarding school system was founded in 1953, while the school in Tel Aviv existed from 1965 to 1984. It was one of three such boarding schools for 16 year olds prior to their conscription at 18; the schools are designed to prepare the students for platoon-level command positions.
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Item Code: 0130153 Price: $20
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IDF Infantry School uniface momento token, circa. 1970's; weight: 8.25g; size: 25mm. Obverse bears emblem of the Infantry Corps (with old style of spelling "Kheyl Reglim" instead of "Kheyl HaReglim") in center surrounded by emblems of 3 others brigades which train there - the 1st Golani, the Paratroop Training School and the 35th Paratroop Brigade, and legend below "Foot Soldier [Infantry] School".
The school, also known has "Bahad 3" ("Beit Hadrakha 3" - "Training School 3") had existed since the end of the 1940's as the main training base for topography, weapons training and field command. In UNC.
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Item Code: 0130138 Price: $20
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IDF Officers Training School medal (ND), circa. 1967-68; struck in bronze; weight: 93.9g; size: 59mm. Obverse bears emblem of the IDF officer's training course (which was also the emblem of the pre-State Hagana militia), with the school's motto (which rhymes) in the frame around it, "Of Me You Will See and Likewise You Will Do | The School for Officers"; on reverse the emblem of the city of Petach Tikva and below it the symbol of the Soldier's Welfare Association (Petach Tikva branch).
The Israeli Army officer's training school is also known as "Training Base 1" ("Bahad 1"), and was based in Petach Tikva from the 1950's until May 1968, when it moved to its present location in the Negev desert.
Although this medal may be earlier than estimated it is probably from the immediate post-Six Day War period (1967) when many commemorative medals for Israel's 20th Anniversary (1968) and military commemoration medals for the 1967 war and 1968 20th anniversaries were issued; Haffner posits that this medal was issued upon the completion of the officer's training course though it probably has more to do with a general commemoration of some kind, including the closure of the base in Petach Tikva: the military wouldn't issue an "official" award with a municipal emblem or the Solder's Welfare Association logo for such an important personal feat like completing the course. Graduates of the course are issued a small collar pin designed in the style of the emblem on the medal's obverse. In UNC with lacquered surfaces; JTM-MM-22.
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Item Code: 0130119 Price: $75
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French Israeli Six Day War commemorative medal, 1967; struck in silver (marked 999 on rim); no artist/maker mark; weight: 13.1g; size: 33mm: obverse depicts flag of Israel with sword and olive branch on either side and a variation of the French national motto ("Liberty, Brotherhood, Equality) rendered here as "Freedom, Peace, Brotherhood", the Hebrew word "Bazak" ("swift") and "Under the Star of David, Campaign of 6 Days" and the period underneath; on reverse a legend in Hebrew along the edge "With G-d's Will Was Saved the Peace of the World" with images of a plane, a tank and the Torah.
Possibly issued by French-Jewish volunteers in the war effort (a common practice in 1948, 1967 and 1973 on the part of Jewish and non-Jewish concerned parties). In UNC (possibly originally a proof issue, now with a few finger prints and toning).
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Item Code: 0130067 Price: $150
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Yom Kippur War token of appreciation in English, 1973: blackened bronze tallion bearing the IDF's emblem surmounted by olive wreaths, with dedication in English etched on reverse: "With Appreciation Min.[istry] of Def.[efense] I.D.F. Israel Oct. 73".
As this is a token from the highest levels of the defense establishment - and in English - it is probably in thanks to the American members of the airlift of arms which the US began sending to the IDF on 14 October 1973. Though arriving 8 days "late", the supplies were appreciated thus by David ("Dado") Elazar, the Chief of Staff: "We fire every morning what arrives in the [previous] evening from the United States. The IDF's own supplies we already exhausted some time ago."
The American airlift came by Galaxy transport planes and brought in about a thousand tons of materiel every day for close to a month. In UNC; weight, 14.8g; size: 30mm x 35.5mm.
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Item Code: 0130069 Price: $100
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1973 Yom Kippur numbered US gratitude medal, 1973; struck in bronze; by A. Sendik, produced by the Shekel medal company; weight: 93.2; size: 58.5mm: obverse depicts Israeli flag and IDF emblem (olive branch intertwined with sword) against backdrop of American flag, with legend in Hebrew "War of Judgement Day 5734" and legend along edge in English "U.S. Help in Judgement-Day War 1973"; reverse shows uniformed soldier bearing rifle and 'Talit' (Jewish prayer shawl).
Ironically American weapons assistance was necessary during the war after the US Government warned Israel before the war that if she struck her enemies pre-emptively she would not receive "so much as a nail" in assistance from the Americans (ref: Henry Kissinger). In UNC: lacquered finish with toning in places, but no signs of actual wear.
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Item Code: 0130053 Price: $30
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1973 Yom Kippur numbered US gratitude medal, 1973; struck in silver; by A. Sendik, produced by the Shekel medal company (not artist/maker marked); weight: 24.55g; size: 35.5mm: obverse depicts Israeli flag and IDF emblem (olive branch intertwined with sword) against backdrop of American flag, with legend in Hebrew "War of Judgement Day 5734" and legend along edge in English "U.S. Help in Judgement-Day War 1973"; reverse shows uniformed soldier bearing rifle and 'Talit' (Jewish prayer shawl). In VF-EF with a few light surface scuffs and a light rim scratch.
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Item Code: 0130063 Price: $40
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IDF Israel's 15th Remembrance Day commissioned medal, 1963; struck in bronze at Zechovoy mint; designed by Josef Bass; weight: 120.65g; size: 60mm; thickness: 6mm. Obverse bears legend on left "Remembrance Day for the Fallen [soldiers] of the IDF 1963", with theme of "Judea Capta" on right with chain border amd legend "Judea Capta 3830 [year 70 - the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans]"; on reverse, legend on left "In Memory of Her Warriors who Fell in her Restoration, Ministry of Defense", with theme of "Judea Restituta" on right, with legend "Israel the Liberated" and cornleaf border.
Legend etched on rim "State of Israel [in English and Hebrew] Department of Manpower - Division for the Commemoration of the Soldier". This is a rare medal first issued in 1963 (in bronze) to families of the war dead in a limited issue of 6996, and then reissued again for public purchase in 1969 (in tombak) - but quickly recalled after public protest.
In AU-UNC with laquered surface: there are some scratch lines above the legend on the obverse and reverse though these may be from the original design which itself looks like a cast issue but is listed by Haffner as a struck issue; IMM-CM-11A.
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Item Code: 0130125 Price: $150
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Yom Kippur War / Israel's 25th Independence Day commemorative medal, 1973; struck in bronze; by A. Sendir; weight: 31.8g; size: 40mm: obverse depicts dove rising from flames and emblem of the Israel Defence Forces, with legend in Hebrew "Judgement Day, October 1973"; on reverse a stylized Jewish "Menorah" (candelabra) with legend in English. In AU with just a few tiny scuff marks.
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Item Code: 0130066 Price: $20
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IDF Israel's 30th Remembrance Day commemoration medal, 1978; struck in bronze; no maker mark; weight: 92.25g; size: 59mm. Obverse bears miniature of the State Arms and stylized legend incorporating the official emblem of Israel's 30th anniversary celebrations (which makes sense as Memorial Day and Independence Day are always one day apart - Memorial Day is marked first), with legend "Memorial Day to the fallen in Israel's battles 5738 - 1978" and along the edge "Ministry of Defence - Rehabilitation Division - Department for the Commemoration of the Soldier"; on reverse an image of Western Jerusalem with walls of the Old City in foreground, with legend "In Honor of the Warriors". The medal would have been issued to families of the fallen; in VF-EF with a few traces of oxidation.
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Item Code: 0130118 Price: $100
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Israeli Memorial Day numbered commemorative medal (ND), circa. 1970s; struck in tombak; designed by Tidhar, minted by the Shekel medal company; weight: 92.8g; size: 59mm. Obverse bears upturned helmet with flames rising (symbol of Memorial Day in Israel) with legend "To the fallen of Israel's battles who in their deaths warranted our lives"; on reverse image of broken tree with rifle in the ground and legend (excerpt of Haim Bialik's poem "After My Death"), "...And the song of his life was stopped in the middle". Numbered on rim "1139". In UNC, though with much polish build-up around the details.
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Item Code: 0130120 Price: $40
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IDF March commemoration token, 1973; struck in tombak; no makers mark; weight - 24.5g; size - 44.5mm. Issued by the Israeli Soldier's Welfare Association for the annual Army March held in conjunction with Israel's 25th Anniversary: obverse bears the IDF emblem with heading "IDF March", with legend "Headquarters of the Independence Day Celebrations - 5th of [month of] Iyar [i.e. 14 May or thereabouts] 5733 Jerusalem - The Association for the Welfare of the Soldier"; on reverse the official emblem of the 25th Anniversary of Israel's Independence surrounded by stylized image of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
The IDF March ("Mitz'ad Tzahal") was an annual military parade held on Independence Day (the Hebew date for 14 May) every year from 1949 to 1968 and then again for Israel's 25th Anniversary in 1973 - about 5 months before the Yom Kippur War. That final march took place in full presentation for 25 kilomters, as it doubled up for the IDF's behind-the-scenes preparation for an expected surprise Syrian-Egyptian attack, which in the event was postponed until October of that year. In VF-EF.
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Item Code: 0130160 Price: $40
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IDF Exhibition ("Ta'arukhat Tzahal") token, 1968; weight: 18.45g; size: 35mm. Obverse depicts the official emblem of Israel's 20th Aniversary, with legend "IDF Exhibition 5728 - 1968"; on reverse the emblem of the IDF. The exhibition took place on 8 August 1968.
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Item Code: 0130147 Price: $20
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"Hagana" ('Self-Defence') service ribbon with paper award holder of the Ministry of Defence, with "Hagana Ribbon" stamped below. The ribbon is the early version with a safety-pin back and is back maker-marked by "Mori" of Jerusalem. There is light oxidation to edge of the pin.
This ribbon was awarded either to those who were members of the Hagana ("Defence") organization for a period of at least six months between 1920 and the Day of Independence of Israel, or to all members of the Hagana who were killed, wounded, arrested or took part in operations (in case the eligible person died, a member of his family - husband, wife, parent, brother, sister, child or grandchild - could request to receive the ribbon or replacement of lost or worn ribbon).
Presentation of the ribbon started in 1958, and it appears that this item is one of the first samples produced as per the envelope sent regarding it's issue to Shalom Furer: an envelope from the Ministry of Defence, Manpower Division's "Center for the Self-Defence Ribbon", sent to Shalom Furer, with mail label and stamp of the Ministry of Defence.
More pictures: ribbon with award holder, registered envelope of the mailed award
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Item Code: 0020007 Price: SOLD
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"War of Independence" campaign Ribbon, with paper award holder from the Ministry of Defense, with "War of Independence Ribbon" stamped below. The ribbon has the early safety-pin back, and the back of ribbon is maker marked by "Mori" of Jerusalem.
This ribbon was awarded to all IDF personnel on active duty during at least 4 months between 1 February 1948 and 10 March 1949; all IDF personnel who were killed during the War of Independence (in this case the ribbon would be presented to the family of the soldier); others who took part in fights of the War of Independence (whose eligibility for the ribbon would be determined on a case-by-case basis); those who where confined to a border settlement for a continuous period of 120 days between the dates mentioned above; officials dealing with immigration and arms procurement, also between the dates above. Presentation of this ribbon started in 1951.
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Item Code: 0020008 Price: SOLD
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"Decoration of State Warriors" service decoration (for civil wear), pin and award document, awarded on or around Israel's 20th Independence Day, 2 May 1968. This decoration was awarded to members of military or paramilitary organizations who fought for the establishment of the State of Israel, from HaShomer in 1909 till the independence of the country. Presentation of the decoration started in 1968.
More pictures: pin with award document, close-up of pin
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Item Code: 0020009 Price: SOLD
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MEDALS, AWARDS & COMMEMORATIVE MOMENTOS of the ZIONIST HAGANAH and PALMACH FORCES:
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Carmeli brigade conference medal, signed: special medal issued [to Eliyahu Brigel] to commemorate an assembly of veterans celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Carmeli Brigade's operations Haifa and northern Israel-Galilee-Samaria in the War of Independence and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Israel; a special post office cachet was also designed for this conference event.
The medal displays the official emblem of the State's 20th anniversary on one side, and the IDF emblem, conference name and date, and "1948-1968" on the other. The medal is housed in a standard black plastic foldable case, and a paper insert inside with greeting is signed by the Brigade's wartime commander: "Regards, Moshe Carmel, General; Haifa 23.05.68".
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Item Code: 0120070 Price: $75
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Palmach Negev Brigade memorial monument commemoration medal, 1968-69; struck in tombak by the Shekel medal company; weight: 89.3g; size: 59mm. Obverse depicts image of the monument with legend "Monument of the Negev Brigade | Beer Sheva - 5729 - 1969"; on reverse the Palmach's emblem on right with "Palmach Negev Brigade" below, and map of the Brigade's operations at left with legend "In the beseiged Negev and in the liberation operations 5708-9 [1948-9]".
The map is detailed and on the arrows are the names of the operations they refer to. The Brigade's memorial monument was created between 1963 and 1968 by the architect Dani Karavan near the Ben Gurion University in Beersheva, and incorporates 18 characteristics (artistic allusions) which relate to the wartime experience. In AU with lacquered surface.
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Item Code: 0130107 Price: $75
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Palmach 40th anniversary commemorative medal, 1981; no makers mark; weight: 32.95g; size: 45.5mm. Obverse depicts the Palmach's emblem with the dates 1941-1981; on reverse the "Hagana" emblem with its motto on left ("With one hand he undertook handiwork and with the other he held a weapon" - from Nehemia 4/11) and "Hagana 1921-1981" below.
The Palmach was formed from the Hagana in 1941 though the parent body itself was actually founded in 1920 and not 1921 - perhaps the medal designers wanted round anniversary dates for both forces. In UNC.
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Item Code: 0130108 Price: $30
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Palmach Negev Brigade combat commemoration token (ND), circa. 1949-51; no makers mark; weight: 9.9g; size: 30.5mm. Obverse depicts the Brigade's emblem with title "Negev Brigade"; on reverse a list of the Brigade's operations and places of operation in the War of Independence: "Beseiged Negev, [operation] Yoav, Beersheva, Lot, Sdom, [operation] Khorev, Abu Agila, [operation] Uvda, Eilat".
The 12th Negev Brigade, established in May 1948, was a prominent military force in the War of Independence, participating in several celebrated actions and counting among its units the famed "Desert Animals" commando force. It operated in the northern and southern Negev desert during the war, and afterwards and since it is an infantry reserve unit.
Estimated date for this item is based on the listing of "Eilat" on reverse: in March 1949 when the Brigade liberated that region it was still known popularly as Umm Rash Rash (even though the name "Eilat" is from Biblical times); if listed on the token as "Eilat", it may be from the period just after the war when it started to be developed into a town. In EF: the tallion was originally silver finished but some of the finish (on obverse) has since worn off.
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Item Code: 0130109 Price: $100
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Rare "C Company" ("Pluga Gimmel") of the Palmach assembly commemoration medal, 1963; struck in bronze(?); no maker mark; weight: 18.15g; size: 35.5mm. Obverse bears emblem of the Palmach with legend "Assembly of C Company Chanukka [Jewish holiday] 5723 [1963]"; legend on reverse reads "Palmach Heights ["Maaleh Palmach"] | (Al Yahud Aperature) | This passage was forged by C Company as a way out of a dead end during the march in the year 1944 5720 [a mistake in the Hebrew date which should read 5704] | "A wild passage between hills" [quotation from the Palmach's anthem]".
C Company of the Palmach was formed in the same year as the Palmach (1941) in the Jezreel Valley region but initially consigned to home-based training for lack of funds; in 1942, with the threat of a German invasion of Palestine looming the Company was mustered out, given proper training and assigned bases in the Valley for their service. In 1944, as part of one of their fitness hikes (from the Dead Sea to Kibbutz Revivim) the Company had to bypass one of the heights in order to avoid detection and possible confrontation with British patrols (Jewish self defence being maintained covertly at this time), and so they went through a massive valley called the "Great Wadi" and created an improvised passage upwards when confronted by an impassable water fall. This passage, known then as "Al Yahud" is now known as the "Palmach Ascent".
Tokens from the Palmach at such low unit levels, like companies, are quite scarce. In EF-AU: some residue around the details from polish; some surficial scratches on the surface (possibly from being polished).
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Item Code: 0130110 Price: $60
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5th Battalion Harel Brigade of the Palmach veterans conference commemorative medal, 1963; struck in bronze; weight: 15.05g; size: 30mm. Uniface tallion depicts emblem of the 5th "Sha'ar HaGay" Battalion with legend "Conference of the Fifth Battalion Palmach Harel 22.10.63". In UNC, with laquered surface.
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Item Code: 0130111 Price: $50
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Palmach Harel Brigade combat commemoration medal (ND), circa. 1949; designed by G. Tz. (initials in exergue of obv.); in cupro-nickel; weight: 9.45g; size: 31mm. Obverse bears the emblem of the Harel Brigade (with designer's initals at base); on reverse a list of 10 military operations that the Brigade participated in above an image of a fortified emplacement (possibly Latrun - which the Brigade did not succeed in conquering). In VF-EF; JTM-MM-9.
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Item Code: 0130112 Price: $150
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Palmach "Palyam" veterans assembly commemoration token, 1963; struck in bronze; weight: 23.6g; size: 35.5mm. Bears emblem of the Palmach on sails of a vessel, with legend "Assembly of Palyam veterans 1942-1948" with date in exergue 13.IX.1963. The "Palyam" was the sea branch of the Palmach and included a commando unit. In UNC, with lacquered surface.
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Item Code: 0130113 Price: $75
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Palmach "Yiftach" Brigade commemoration medal (ND), circa. 1948-49; struck in silver(?); no makers mark; weight: 25.5g; size: 35mm. Obverse depicts the emblem of the Palmach with legend below "Yiftach Brigade Palmach"; on reverse a stylization of the word "Yiftach" under image of crowded town (maybe Tsfat or Tiberias - two of the several cities liberated by the force), with Brigade's motto above and names of two operations "Danny" and "Yoav".
The 11th Yiftach Brigade was established in April 1948 but operated initially as two separate battalions in the north-east Galillee under the command of Yigal Allon (the overall commander of the Palmach). Having participated in a large operation called "Yiftach", when the Brigade itself was established it bore the name of the operation. In June the unit was transferred to the center of the country and participated in "Yoram", "Danny" and "Yoav" - although Yoram in particular is not mentioned on this medal and hence its early estimated date. In VF-EF.
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Item Code: 0130114 Price: $150
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Palmach national assembly & Israel's 25th Anniversary commemoration medal, 1973; struck in bronze(?); no makers mark; weight: 45.75g; size: 44mm. Obverse bears Palmach emblem with legend "National Conference 1973"; on reverse official emblem of Israel's 25th Independence anniversary. In VF-EF with a few very small surface nicks in places.
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Item Code: 0130115 Price: $40
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Palmach "Harel" Brigade 20th Anniversary assembly commemoration numbered medal, 1968; struck in tombak by the Shekel medal company; weight: 78.15g; size: 59mm. Obverse bears a miniature size of the Harel's emblem with the word "Harel" above, a list of the Brigade's battles in the War of Independence (1947-49) and after, with legend along edge "Assembly of the Palmach Harel Brigade Jerusalem 3 [in the month of] Kheshvan 5728 24.10.68; on reverse a stylization of the breakthrough to Jerusalem with legend "Harel 1948 Armored Brigade 1967". Rim numbered "1713".
The 10th Harel Brigade was established in April 1948, commanded by Yitzhak Rabin, and fought in the Jerusalem area; after the war (when the Palmach was already absorbed into the new IDF) it was transformed into a reserve brigade in the armoured corps; it fought in the 1956 Sinai Campaign and again in 1967 in the Jerusalem sector - hence the parallels highlighted on this medal. In EF with some lacquer on the surface.
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Item Code: 0130116 Price: $75
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Hagana 50th Anniversary medal (ND), 1970; struck in silvered bronze; minted by the Elisha medal company in Israel; weight: 91.8g; size: 59.5mm. Obverse bears emblem of the Hagana with legend "With one hand he undertook handiwork and with the other he held a weapon - Nehemia 4/11" and "The Hagana"; on reverse a large Star of David with the image of the Hagana's founder Eliyahu Golomb and all of the various units and activities of the Hagana written on each line of the Star.
Though the medal is listed in Haffer a being from 1968, it cannot be both from this date and also in commemoration of the Hagana's 50th anniversary, as the Hagana was founded in 1970; as Golomb died in 1945 an issue date with a round number like 1970 makes more sense to commemorate both him and the Hagana. In UNC with lacquered surface; JTM-MM-7.
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Item Code: 0130121 Price: $50
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Rally of the Organization of Members of the "Haganah" in Israel, in Jerusalem, 1973; struck in tombak; no makers mark; weight - 42.55g; size - 45.5mm. Issued to commemorate a Jewish New Years ("Rosh HaShana") rally which took place 2 days before the actual New Years date and also coincided with Israel's 25th anniversary: obverse depicts official emblem of Israel's 25th Anniversary, with legend in Hebrew "Rally of the Organization of Members of the Hagana in Israel, Jerusalem 27 of [month of] Elul 5733, 24.9.73"; on reverse the emblem of the Hagana with legend "From Hagana ["Defence"] to the Israel Defence Forces Promises Courage for the Peace of the Nation and the Homeland".
The "Hagana" ("Defense") was the pre-State defense force from which the IDF was largely formed (on 26 May 1948); its emblem, designed in 1942 by Moshe Pasternak Bar-Tikva ("Mundak"), commander of the Hagana's officers course as the symbol for course graduates, became after 1944 the symbol of the Hagana and was retained by the IDF as its emblem in 1948. This rally took place just 12 days before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War. In UNC.
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Item Code: 0130157 Price: $40
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Kiryati Brigade 25th anniversary commemoration token, 1973; struck in tombak; no makers mark; weight - 36.4g; size - 44mm. Obverse bears Brigade's emblem of a crenelated battlement (the word "Kirya" from which the Brigade derives its name, means "complex" or built-up structure) set upon the IDF's emblem, with legend "District Brigade Kiryati 5708 [1948] -5733 [1973]"; on reverse the official emblem of Israel's 25th Anniversary surmounted by olive branches.
The 4th Kiryati Brigade was one of six infantry brigades created from the pre-State Haganah, and was assigned the region of Tel Aviv-Yaffo to Bat Yam and Holon in the War of Independence. In VF-EF.
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Item Code: 0130158 Price: $40
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Etzioni Brigade 20th anniversary conference, 1968; struck in tombak; no makers mark; weight - 32.5g; size - 45mm. Obverse depicts the emblem of the "Defender of Jerusalem" (an award issued to those who served in a military or governmental capacity in beseiged Jerusalem during the War of Independence) and the Hebrew dates 5708 [1948] and 5728 [1968]; on reverse the emblem of the Brigade's conference - the walls of Jerusalem with he legend "Etzioni Conference" surrounded by the Hebrew legend "On Your Walls O Jerusalem I have Set Watchmen" and "5728 - 1968".
The 6th Etzioni Brigade was one of six infantry Brigade raised from the pre-State Hagana defense force, and was assigned to defend the area of Jerusalem as well as protecting the armored convoys which brought supplies from the coastal region to besiged Jerusalem and its environs. In UNC; JTM-MM-4.
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Item Code: 0130159 Price: $40
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Alexandroni Brigade 25th anniversary conference commemoration medal, 1973: struck in nickel; no maker mark; weight - 35.65g; size - 44.5mm. Obverse depicts a British mk III helmet set against the emblem of the IDF (an olive branch intertwined with a sword) and the legend "Alexandroni 1948 1973"; on reverse the Brigade's emblem on right and the regional emblem on left (the Brigade was one of six assigned a region for operation) with legend "Conference 5733 in the 25th year of Israel [independence]".
The 3rd Alexandroni Brigade was derived from the pre-State Hagana's defence force's permanent standing "field corps" and fought in the region of Samaria, participating in the breakthrough of the seige of Jerusalem (April 1948), liberating areas around Tel Aviv and the northern areas of the coastal plane before being transferred southwards to fight the Egyptians in the Negev and Falluja pocket. In AU with just a few minor nicks.
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Item Code: 0130161 Price: $40
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Givati infantry Brigade 54th Battalion veterans assembly commemoration medal, 1961: struck in copper; no maker mark; weight - 57.7g; size - 42mm; thickness - 5mm. Obverse bears image of the battalion's memorial monument with legend "Assembly of Veterans of the Battalion - Succot [Jewish holiday] 5722 [1961 as Succot falls before Dec. 31]"; on reverse the battalion's emblem with legend "Battalion 54 Givati".
The battalion's monument was erected 10 years earlier, in 1951 by the architect Gustav Meyerstein, in the area where the battalion fought in the War of Independence (1947-49), near Kibbutz Negba.
The three arrows at the peak of the monument symbolize the forces of the southern front in operation "Yoav", which breached the Egyptian closure on the Negev desert. On the monument is the legend "To the wanderer on your way down to the Negev - remember us". In VF, but a solid and nicely designed token.
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Item Code: 0130162 Price: $100
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Givati infantry Brigade 54th Battalion "Lag Ba'Omer" [Jewish holiday] uniface event token, 1967; bronze(?); weight: 11.9g; size: 32mm x 39mm. Obverse depicts emblem of the battalion with its number below, and legend "Lag Ba'Omer 5727 [1967]".
The Lag Ba'Omer holiday falls every year on the 18th of the month of Iyar, which in 1967 would have been about a week (28 May) before the 6 Day War, although "greater Israel" is visible on the Battalion's emblem.
The celebrated battalion event is unknown but it would have been for battalion veterans as the battalion along with the Givati Brigade itself was disbanded after the War of Independence (1947-49), though the (84th) Givati Brigade was re-established again later in 1983. Among other events the Lag Ba'Omer holiday commemorates a positive change in the fortunes of the Bar Kokhba revolt of the years 132-136, and this may tie in to the national mood of that time, prior to the War. In EF.
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Item Code: 0130131 Price: $40
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Givati infantry Brigade liberation of Ashkelon / Israel's 20th Anniversary commemoration medal, 1968: struck in silvered tombak; no maker mark; weight: 28.75g; size: 38mm. Obverse bears the Givati Brigade's emblem with legend "Assembly of the Givati Brigade Succot [Jewish holiday] 5729 15.X.68"; on reverse the official emblem of Israel's 20th Anniversary together with the city coat of arms of Ashkelon, and the legend in stylized letters "20 Years to the Liberation of Ashkelon".
During the War of Independence the Egyptian Army operated in the region trying to spearhead a drive northwards to Tel Aviv; the Israeli Air Force attacked the city a number of times before it was freed on 4 November 1948 in operation "Yoav". In VF-EF.
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Item Code: 0130150 Price: $30
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Golani Infantry Brigade 25 year commemoration and Israel Independence anniversary numbered medal, 1973; struck in silvered tombak(?) by the Shekel medal company; weight: 93.7g; size: 58.5mm. Obverse depicts the Brigade's emblem with legend "25 Years to the Golani Brigade 5708-5733 1948-1973"; on obverse a variation of the official emblem of Israel's 25th anniversary commemoration. Numbered "335" on rim. In AU with a few surficial light green oxidation marks.
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Item Code: 0130126 Price: $75
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Golani Infantry Brigade 20 year commemoration medal, 1968; struck in silvered tombak(?); no maker mark; weight: 26.55g; size: 35mm. Obverse depicts sword intertwined with flame above overturned helmet, with legend "To Golani fighters, to comrades who fell, to the first and to the successors"; on reverse the Brigade emblem and legend "Golani Brigade 5708-5728 [1948-1968]".
The 1st Golani Brigade (and the 2nd Carmeli Brigade) was formed in February 1948 from one of the original 4 permanent standing brigades created in 1947, the Levanoni Brigade (the "Northern Brigade") which was assigned all of the northern sector of Israel. Golani was assigned the north-eastern sector and fought against the armies of Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. In AU-UNC, with laquered surface; JTM-MM-6.
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Item Code: 0130146 Price: $30
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Oded [reserve] Infantry Brigade 20 year commemoration medal, 1968; weight: 15.75g; size: 35mm. Obverse depicts the emblem of the brigade with Hebrew dates beneath: "5708" [1948] and "5728" [1968]; on reverse Hebrew legend in stylized letters "9th Oded Brigade assembly [at] Khoreshet Tal [national park] 20.8.68".
The Oded Brigade was created from the 11th Elon battalion of the Levanoni Brigade, in May 1948: Levanoni was a regional infantry brigade charged with defending the whole of northern Israel, but to cope with the strain of the assignment it was split into the 1st Golani and 2nd Carmeli brigades (each assigned a sector of the north), and then split further in order to create the 9th Oded Brigade, which was assigned the north-west corner of the Galillee and Golan approaches. In the 1950's it was turned into a reserve infantry brigade.
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Item Code: 0130145 Price: $40
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MEDALS, AWARDS & COMMEMORATIVE MOMENTOS of the UNDERGROUND ZIONIST IRGUN FORCES:
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Irgun/Etzel "Prisoners Award" medal issued to members of that underground Revisionist Zionist organization who were deported and held in British detention camps in East Africa (Eritrea, Kenya, Sudan; Sembel, Gilgil camps), from 1944-48 (during the Hebrew Revolt and start of the Israeli War of Independence). Issued by the "Association of Etzel Soldiers".
A superbly manufactured decoration: thick, heavy, well detailed - and with the scarcely enountered ribbon and metal clasp, which has a safety pin back. Weight: 18.30g. Undated, but issued during 1948 just before the Irgun was absorbed into the IDF and ceased to be an independent armed force.
More pictures: front of decoration, back of decoration, front of medal, back of medal, front of ribbon clasp, back of ribbon clasp, detail of medal loops, decoration at side angle, decoration measured
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Item Code: 0120040 Price: $250
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Irgun / Etzel Hebrew Revolt 35th anniversary and Israel's 30th Anniversary numbered commemoration medal, 1979; struck in bronze; weight: 79.3g; size: 59mm; thickness: 4.5mm. Obverse depicts emblem of the Irgun with legend around edge "35 Years to the Declaration of the Revolt [against the British Mandate] | 4 [in month of] Shvat 5704 1.2.1944 - 4 Shvat 5739 4.2.1979; on reverse the official emblem of Israel's 30th anniversary at top (with legend "Thirty to Israel's Independence") and below on left the official State emblem and on right a variant of the Revisionist-Zionist "Betar" movement's emblem, with legend below "Assembly of the Fighters of the National Military Organization [the Eztel / Irgun]". On rim is stamped the number "0185".
The revisionist-Zionist underground movement, the Irgun, ceased its cooperation with the British and launched a revolt against their authority in Palestine on the 1st of February 1944 as a result of Britain's wartime policy of preventing Jewish immigration to Palestine (i.e. the White Book of 1939 effectively prevented Jews fleeing Nazi persecution from being rescued and/or brought to safe haven in Palestine). In UNC.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130123 Price: $125
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Irgun / Etzel emblem pin, circa. Late 1930's; not maker marked; weight: 2.15g; size: 14mm x 18mm. Shaped as a triangle with the emblem of the Irgun and motto "Rak Kakh" ("Only Thus").
Probably dates to the period 1937-1939, against the backdrop of the Great Arab Revolt (1936-39), when the organization split (1937) between those who wanted to return to the main "Hagana" armed force and those who wanted an independent Revisionist force, and the outbreak of the Second World War when the Irgun instituted a truce with the British; in later years the Irgun used a more uniform shield-shaped emblem embodying the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, and the style used on this pin looks more like the modernist style of the 1930's. In UNC.
More pictures: obverse of pin, reverse of pin
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Item Code: 0130127 Price: $150
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MEDALS, AWARDS & COMMEMORATIVE MOMENTOS of the UNDERGROUND ZIONIST LECHI FORCES:
MEDALS & DECORATIONS of the JEWISH BRIGADE, JEWISH SOLDIERS & OTHER FOREIGN JEWISH FORCES:
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British War Medal 1914-1920 issued to Abraham Krishevsky, Private (J-4545), Royal Fusiliers. In VF.
Partial research confirms that "A. Krishevsky" etched on this medal is Abraham Krishevsky and that this is the same person's service number. Our consignor specifically collected Judaic materials and it is very possible that Private Krishevsky served in one of the 4 Jewish battalions of the Royal Fusiliers (38th to 42nd; the "Jewish Legion"): British army service numbers starting with the letter "J" are reported to belong to those 4 Jewish battalions - but the Royal Fusiliers in the First World War encompassed a total of 53 battalions, such that further research is needed to confirm Krishevsky's actual battalion.
This medal was issued to army personnel and civilians who served in the war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 (or saw service in Russia in 1919 and 1920).
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal, detail of rim etchings
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Item Code: 0130656 Price: $300
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Extremely Rare "Eretz Israel Volunteers Medal", 1918: issued to Jewish volunteers from Palestine-Eretz Israel on the eve of their departure to join the Jewish Battalions (i.e. the Jewish Legion; specifically the 40th Royal Fusiliers), which fought in Palestine under General Allenby.
The medal depicts "Bat Zion" (Daughter of Zion - symbolic of the Jewish People) freeing herself from Roman captivity, with the legend beneath "Judea the Freed", and the maker-mark of "Bezalel" on the obverse, and a Kabbalistic symbol surmounted by the legend "For the Volunteers of the Nation in Eretz Israel" and the Hebrew date 1849 (i.e. 1912 BC) on the reverse - probably a reference to the birth date of Rebecca, daughter of Bethuel ibn Nahor, wife of the Prophet Isaac, and mother of Jacob (ref. Esau, and Rachel, Leah and Laban).
Although seldomly encountered and not a standard catalogued item, there is a very precise account of its issue in Ever HaDeni's book "A Nation in its Wars" (publ. 1948; pg. 104):
"In mid June-July [month of Tammuz, 1918] there was organized a large assembly at the ruins of the home of Rabbi Yehuda the Chasid in Jerusalem [a reference to a famous Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City called the "Ruined Synagogue" - "HaKhurva"], with the participation of James Rothschild and his escort Lieutenant Lipsy. The son of the Baron [Rothschild] delivered a speech on the importance of the Hebrew [i.e Jewish] Battalion which would fight shoulder to shoulder with the British. After him, spoke Lipsy and the Rabbi Harelp, who said: "Who is the G-d fearing and good hearted man who will go forth and return to his home."
The wise man Laniado gave support to his son the volunteer and at the same time people distributed fliers sponsored by the Battalion committee with the cry "Long Live the Hebrew Battalion". Students of the seminar answered the call and from sixty men, close to 40 enlisted as did 17 year-olds and teachers from the Boys' School. Fathers took with them their sons; mothers sent their children to enlist and brides sent their husbands. The Yemenite community sent upwards of 50 people (from Jerusalem); and volunteers from the religious Yeshivot also came.
On 4 July 1918 in the morning, after the departure ceremony, the volunteers were issued a "Bezalel" made medal on which was stamped, "Bat Zion Who Broke the Chains of Exile" - and depicting the Roman running away from her. At 12 o'clock the volunteers set out by train, accompanied by a crowd of 10,000 people."
The significance of this medal is that it represents the first military medal ever issued by Jews for Jews, commemorating military service for Israel. The British conquered Jerusalem in December 1917, although northern and southern Palestine were still in Ottoman-Turkish hands at this time.
There was no central government and so the issuance of this medal can be seen as "official" even if only within the Jewish community of Palestine. The Jewish Battalions (the "Jewish Legion"; 38th-40th Royal Fusiliers) succeeded an earlier formation called the "Zion Mule Corps" which served in Gallipoli, in 1915; although the Mule Corps by default faced front-line action, the Jewish Legion was technically the first all-Jewish combat formation in 2000 years. The medal originally had a loop at top for wear and has since been removed; in excellent condition; weight: 6.00g.
More pictures: front of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0120076 Price: SOLD
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Cloth shoulder patch of the Jewish Brigade (1944-46): as worn by Private Eliyahu Brigel; size: 5.3cm x 5cm.
The Brigade was a unit of the British Army, which served with the 8th Army in Northen Italy (1944-45), and later, after the war, in France and Belgium.
These emblems were a unique concession by the British as they were the first ever emblem worn by Palestinian-Jewish units which displayed a form of the Zionist flag (today's Israeli flag) - a solid expression of national identity as separate from the British symbols. Although these flag patches appear in various forms due to different manufacturers, they were always worn on the upper left sleeve of the battledress tunic and surmounted by a shoulder flash reading "Jewish Brigade Group" (in Hebrew: "Khativa Yehudit Lochemet" - Combat Jewish Brigade) which also appear in a few different forms themselves due to different manufacturing sources.
The actual significance of the Brigade was ultimately due less to acquired combat experience and more to its vital role in assisting Jewish refugees: publicly giving them moral and physical support, and covertly, facilitating their escape from Europe and (illegal) immigration into Palestine (a movement called the "Bricha" - escape). Members of the Brigade on their own initiative also tracked down specific war criminals and their collaborators and killed them.
Enclosed are duplicates of photographs of Eliyahu Brigel from his period in the Brigade.
More pictures: front of patch, back of patch, stitch detail, Brigel with brigade insignia, Brigel, 2nd from right (standing), with lorrie - note the Brigade emblem on left, Jewish Brigade members with American soldiers in France (Brigel standing in center), Brigade members with Americans in France (Brigel kneeling 5th from right), Brigel in Brigade Dodge truck
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Item Code: 0120068 Price: SOLD
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Jewish Brigade decoration: small rectangular Badge for Service with the British forces in World War II. Awarded to every soldier who served in the Jewish Brigade of the British Army for a minimum period of 6 months.
In its original version this badge was in enamelled color - blue-white-blue - with a Star of David at the center. Later versions also included thin red bars underneath, whose number indicated the battalion in which the soldier had served (1 to 3). After the establishment of the State of Israel, in 1961 the State instituted a ribbon for security engagements called the "Volunteers Ribbon" whose criteria for merit overlapped with that of the British badge for service, and could therefore be worn on top of the Volunteers Ribbon.
This piece's rectangular body measures 55mm wide x 70mm high, with a double-pronged back (formed from a single length of wire), and weighs 0.60 grams. Scarce.
More pictures: front of decoration, back of award, at angle, back of decoration, back of decoration, measured
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Item Code: 0120034 Price: SOLD
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Jewish Brigade 2nd Battalion uniface commemoration medal, 1969; struck in silvered bronze(?); no makers mark, though possibly made by Shbitelnick and Baratz of Tel Aviv (ref: WMR 37D #804); weight: 94.2g; size: 60mm. Obverse depicts emblem of the 2nd Battalion with dates 1939 and 1969 and legend "The Jewish Combat Brigade Second Battalion".
The medal probably commemorates the 30th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War rather than of the battalion itself, as the 2nd battalion was originally established in 1942; its origins derive from Eretz-Israel volunteers in the East Kent "Buffs" regiment - but thst force dates to 1940. In UNC, with lacquered surface; JTM-MM-13.
More pictures: obverse of pin, reverse of pin
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Item Code: 0130122 Price: $50
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Jewish Brigade 2nd battalion assembly uniface commemoration medal, 1971; weight: 14.5g; size: 35g. Obverse bears square image of Israeli (i.e. Zionist) flag with Star of David and number "2" in center, with legend "Assembly of the 2nd Battalion, 1971".
The 2nd Battalion originates from the Brigade's precursor, the Palestine Regiment: the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment was formed in September 1942 from Eretz-Israel volunteers and assigned guard duties of installations first in Haifa Bay and later (1943) in Libya. However the lack of combat participation angered its members, and their demonstrations (known in local political-military lore as the "Struggle for the Flag and Symbol") of such led to the battalion's suspension from activities, though later (1943) it was reinstated and refitted for combat duties. When the Jewish Brigade was created in 1944, this battalion became its 2nd Battalion (of 3). In UNC.
More pictures: obverse of pin, reverse of pin
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Item Code: 0130132 Price: $40
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Jewish Brigade 1st battalion commemoration medal for Israel's 25th anniversary, 1973; weight: 17.4g; size: 34.5g. Uniface medal bearing emblem of the 1st battalion (with 1 red bar under square flag of Israel - the miniature emblem they wore on their compaign ribbon) next to official emblem of Israel's 25th anniversary, with legend "1st Battalion Hebrew Combat Brigade 24.7.73". In AU-UNC.
More pictures: obverse of pin, reverse of pin
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Item Code: 0130143 Price: $40
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MEDALS & DECORATIONS OF ARAB and MIDDLE EASTERN ARMIES:
MEDALS & DECORATIONS of the WORLD
(arranged alphabetically by country):
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Belgian Croix de Guerre (War Cross) 1914-1918, for the First World War, with monogramed bronze palm/laurel leaf for the wearer's inclusion in a unit included in an army despatch. In VF-EF, this is a solid piece exhibiting excellent detail, with little surface wear, and light oxidation in the upper-left corner between the sword and cross. This is the fuller (i.e. not flat) version of the cross, whose sword handles touch the edges of the cross; missing only the simple two pinned prongs to enable mounting on a uniform.
The medal itself is a bronze cross with a rounded embossed medallion at center bearing the Belgian ramping lion on one side and the monogram of King Albert on the other; with crossed swords positioned between the branches of the cross, and with an ornate pivoting crown suspension. The ribbon correctly displays five green striped on a field of red, with three of them grouped more centrally.
Modelled on the French "Croix de Guerre", this Belgian version was instituted 25th October 1915 to reward acts of bravery in the face of the enemy or for long service at the front. Additionally, bronze, silver or silver plated palmes were awarded for various categories of Mention in Dispatches. Various later decrees modified (expanded) the award criteria to include those died of wounds, escaped prisoners, certain volunteers, etc.
More pictures: front of medal with palm, reverse side of medal, reverse side of medal only, detail of medal ribbon
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Item Code: 0110010 Price: $45
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Belgium - Belgian King Albert Commemorative Medal 1909-34 in bronze, 32mm. This is a commemorative medal for the reign of King Albert I, instituted in 1962, and was awarded for loyalty and good services to serving or former military personnel of the armed forces who served between 18 December 1909 and 18 February 1934. In EF condition.
More pictures: front of medal, back of medal, overhead view
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Item Code: 0110030 Price: $18
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Germany - Spanish Volunteer ("Blue") Division 'Bravery and Commemorative Medal', circa 1944-45. This medal was instituted by the Third Reich government in recognition of the Spanish volunteers who served on the Russian front from August 1941 to October 1943 in the Spanish Volunteer Division ("Division Espanola de Voluntarios"). The medal was awarded to those soldiers who had at least 14 days of combat particiation on the Russian Front. This piece retains most of its bronze-colored wash, and though with a few light edge nicks, is in excellent preserved condition. Not maker-marked.
More pictures: overall front side of medal, close-up obverse side of medal, reverse side and loop detail
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Item Code: 0010061 Price: $200
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Poland - Polish ministerial award: Medal for Merit for Country Defense (Medal Za Zaslugi dla Obronnosci Kraju) in bronze (1966-1991 version). This award was conferred by the Minister of National Defense in three grades to military servicemen and civilians for meritorious activities in aid of strengthening the military establishment of the country. The medal is 38mm in diameter and bears the inscription "For Merit for Defense of Country" on the obverse, and "Ministry of National Defense" surrounded by the legend "Polish People's Republic" on the reverse. Solid and nicely toned.
More pictures: front of medal, reverse side of medal, overhead view
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Item Code: 0110029 Price: $25
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Swedish "Swedbatt" 56M Battalion Sinai uniface commemorative service medal in copper, 1975: medal depicts the general position manned by the Swedish contigent of the Sinai based "United Nations Emergency Force II" between December 1974 and June 1975, with legend around edge "FN-Bataljon 56 M" and dates below. In UNC; no maker-marks; weight: 79.25g; size: 61mm. A relatively crude cast issue compared to other plaques issued for the Swedish battalion in Sinai.
More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
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Item Code: 0130058 Price: $75
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Swedish "Swedbatt" 58M Battalion Sinai uniface commemorative service plaque in copper, 1975: plaque depicts the positions manned by the Swedish contigent of the Sinai based "United Nations Emergency Force II" between June-December 1975, with legend "FN-Bataljon 58M".
The Swedish component of UNEF II rotated in and out of this sector roughly every half year, each time with a different numeric designation, and in this period its force was labelled "58M" (having replaced 56M).
The Battalion's nomenclature follows the style of Sweden's foreign contingents serving in the UN: her forces in Kosovo begin with the letter "KA", those in Afghanistan begin with "FS", those in Cyprus use a "C", etc. UNEF II was established in October 1973 to observe the cease-fire between Egypt and Israel following the termination of the 1973 War between them (this force succeeded UNEF I, which attempted to observe a previous ceasefire between the two countries, from 1956 to 1967); its mandate lasted until 1979 when it was replaced by the "Multinational Force and Observers" (MFO).
Sweden had been active in providing forces for peace-keeping operations in Sinai and Gaza since 1956, and the Swedish presence there after the 1973 War was pronounced enough to earn her soldiers a token presence as an incidental character in Israel's most popular comedy film "Halfon Hill is Not Answering" (1976). In UNC; no maker-marks; weight: 201.75g; size: 78mm x 101mm (some versions of this plaque do not have the frame around them and are a few millimeters smaller).
More pictures: obverse of plaque, reverse of plaque
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Item Code: 0130048 Price: $75
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Swedish "Swedbatt" 60M Battalion Sinai uniface commemorative service plaque in copper, 1976: plaque depicts the general location manned by the Swedish contigent of the Sinai based "United Nations Emergency Force II" between December 1975 and June 1976, with legend "FN-Bataljon 60 M".
Unlike a similar commemorative piece (item 0130048) issued for the "58M" Swedbatt (which preceeded 60M) with very precise unit positions, this plaque highlights in a general manner "Giddi" in the area of the Sinai peninsula: Giddi was a strategic pass held by Israel after the end of the 1973 War with Egypt, and in exchange for her withdrawal from there the US in cooperation with the UN peacekeeping mission established an electronic monitoring station there called the "Sinai Field Mission", to monitor access to the passes using seismic, aural and infra-red sensors monitored from 3 watch stations. The SFO operated from January 1976 until April 1982. In UNC; not marker-marked; weight: 174.9g; size: 73mm x 99mm.
More pictures: obverse of plaque, reverse of plaque
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Item Code: 0130049 Price: $75
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Swedish "Swedbatt" 62M Battalion Sinai uniface commemorative service plaque in copper, 1976: plaque depicts the positions and bases manned by the Swedish contigent of the Sinai based "United Nations Emergency Force II" between June and December 1976, with legend "Sinai FN-Bataljon 62 M". Although the Gaza Strip was annexed by Israel after 1967 it appears on this map as part of the boundary of Sinai and may be so in reference to UN operations there. On the map are depicted 4 bases of the Swedish Battlion. In UNC; not marker-marked; weight: 192.1g; size: 73.5mm x 100mm.
More pictures: obverse of plaque, reverse of plaque
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Item Code: 0130050 Price: $75
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US "American Defense Service" medal, in VF+, with suface wear to the obverse but lovely toning on the reverse. The medal is a solid round medallion with a velvet ribbon bearing two thin blue-white-red stripes on a field of yellow. The award was instituted 28 June 1941 by an executive order of the President to recognize members of the US armed forces who performed military duties in the period of 8 September 1939 and 6 December 1941 - just prior to America's entry into the Second World War. A complete award set would include a small rectangular ribbon and presentation box. This piece is being sold as the award medal alone.
More pictures: front of medal, reverse side of medal with pin
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Item Code: 0110013 Price: $12
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