*British, WW2, 1939–1945, Atlantic Star Medal, with Original Ribbon*
An original Second World War Atlantic Star campaign medal, presented in the standard six-pointed bronze star form. The obverse displays the crowned royal cipher GRI VI of King George VI within a circular band inscribed “THE ATLANTIC STAR.” The medal is suspended from its correct ribbon, showing the characteristic shaded stripes of dark blue, white and green.
The Atlantic Star was awarded for operational service in the Battle of the Atlantic—one of the longest and most critical campaigns of the war—principally recognising the hazardous convoy and escort duties undertaken by Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and Allied naval personnel.
The medal retains good detail to the cipher and lettering, with an even aged patina across the bronze surfaces. The ribbon appears original and period, showing honest service wear and some fraying to the folds consistent with age.
Historical Note: Instituted in 1945, the Atlantic Star recognised service in the Battle of the Atlantic between 1939 and 1945. Qualification generally required operational service at sea in Atlantic convoys or associated naval operations, typically after first earning the 1939–45 Star. The ribbon’s colours are symbolic: Dark blue represents the Royal Navy; Green represents the Merchant Navy and White represents the foam of the Atlantic seas. Recipients included Royal Navy escorts, corvette and destroyer crews, submariners, Fleet Air Arm personnel engaged in Atlantic operations, and Merchant Navy sailors who faced sustained U-boat and aerial threat throughout the campaign. As one of the core Second World War campaign stars, the Atlantic Star is closely associated with the struggle to keep Britain supplied and the eventual defeat of the German U-boat offensive.
*Condition* Original medal with pleasing untouched patina. Light surface wear and minor contact marks consistent with age and handling. Ribbon is present and period but shows creasing and some edge fraying. No naming to the reverse, as issued. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Original WW2 Atlantic Star with correct ribbon, awarded for service in the Battle of the Atlantic convoy operations.
