US World War I Victory Medal with Four Battle Clasps – Aisne-Marne, Ypres-Lys, Meuse-Argonne, Defensive Sector

US Victory Medal 1917–1918 mit vier Gefechtsspangen – Aisne-Marne, Ypres-Lys, Meuse-Argonne, Defensive Sector (United States World War I Victory Medal with Four Battle Clasps – Aisne-Marne, Ypres-Lys, Meuse-Argonne, Defensive Sector)

An attractive original United States World War I Victory Medal, complete with its original rainbow-coloured ribbon, four bronze Army battle clasps and wrap-brooch suspension.

The bronze-coloured medal features the winged figure of Victory holding a sword and shield on the obverse. The reverse bears the inscription “THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION”, with the United States shield and the names of the Allied and Associated nations.

The ribbon is fitted with four clearly legible bronze battle clasps, each decorated with a star at either end:

• AISNE-MARNE – participation in the Aisne-Marne campaign, 18 July–6 August 1918.
• YPRES-LYS – participation in the Ypres-Lys campaign, 19 August–11 November 1918.
• MEUSE-ARGONNE – participation in the Meuse-Argonne campaign, 26 September–11 November 1918.
• DEFENSIVE SECTOR – qualifying service in a defensive sector not covered by a separately designated campaign clasp.

These clasps represent significant operations of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front during the final year of the First World War. Their combination makes this an appealing example for collectors of American military medals and First World War campaign awards.

Condition: Good overall, with attractive age patina to the medal and clasps. The original ribbon remains present but shows some fraying and loose threads, particularly along the upper edges. The four clasps and wrap-brooch suspension are present. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of condition.