Could This Medalet Be A Fake?

Jacko, Bronze is 97% copper, so that part checks out. Not sure about the gilded part though, could have simply worn off after all this time. The hole may mean it was worn as jewellery, helping to remove the gilding. Assuming this is the gilding they are talking about.

There is also a technique of preparing bronze to give it the 'appearance' of gold, which is called gilt bronze. Again, time will diminish this effect.

Sean: The hole is from the ribbon, it was originally given with. But I don't have that or the hoop. The site said many used them as jewellery, I can imagine why. They are nice especially the Veiled head Queen Victoria. I always loved that portrait. Also, I'm not terribly good with metals, so I had no idea that Bronze had even any Copper, let alone 97% of it being Copper. Thankyou to for that bit of info. Will definately come in handy in the future =o)

Sap: I see what you mean, I can see it now. (Sticks out like dogs b@||s!!) Thankyou for pointing that out. Don't know why I didn't spot that, I guess I was overwhelmed by the Copper coloured appearance.

I really appreciate the help guys =o)


Jacko

G'day, when you see the word "jewellery" in this context, think of the sort of badges, ribands, etc that we are invited to wear on ANZAC Day, Armistice Dat, etc, etc.
There were quite a few contingents from Oz to Seth Efrika: most were funded by the various colonial governments; but some were recruited "privately", such as the NSW Bushmen's Corps.
Back in Oz, there was some opposition to sending troops overseas [see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Bournes_Higgins], and medalets such as this served to raise funds for comforts for the troops, but also for the wearer to align herself or himself with the orthodox politics of 1900.
So, you have an interesting momento of Australian and imperial political history.
Numismatics opens so many doors to us ...

Peter in Darwin

This is the one I just sold (it is silver):