United States. Two World War I Victory Medals

Includes: 1. 1 Clasp - ASIATIC (in bronze gilt, engraver marked "FRASER" (James Earle Fraser) on the obverse, measuring 36 mm in diameter, traces of gilt remains, original ribbon with brooch pinback, repair evident where the medal butts integral suspension, spotting). 2. 1 Clasp - RUSSIA (in bronze gilt, engraver marked "FRASER" (James Earle Fraser) on the obverse, measuring 36 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback, scattered gilt wear, contact marks, the ribbon having experienced separation from the brooch pinback on the reverse). Together, very fine.

Footnote: The World War I Victory Medal (originally known as the Victory Medal) was a United States World War I service medal designed by James Earle Fraser. The award of a common allied service medal was recommended by an inter-allied committee in March 1919. Each allied nation would design a 'Victory Medal' for award to their military personnel, all issues having certain common features, including a winged figure of victory on the obverse and the same ribbon. The Victory Medal was originally intended to be established by an act of Congress. The bill authorizing the medal never passed, however, thus leaving the military departments to establish it through general orders. The War Department published orders in April 1919, and the Navy in June of the same year. The medal itself was instituted on April 9, 1919 and awarded for active service between April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918 and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918 and April 1, 1920.