Volovonok

From £150 and up. This is WWII period order so it should be somewhat more expensive than post-war orders awarded for service .

Original without a doubt. Too common and cheap to be faked.

Thank you very much for this information. I will write Damir right now.

You probably need his name spelled in Russian as well in case you do some search through Russian reference sites. Леднев Борис Семенович (surname, name, patronimic)

I already did

I have seen such a great variaty of Gallipoli Stars with various types of tugra, pins, catches, hinges, riverts and even rings by now that I really don't know what I should be able to notice looking at the needle system and tugra as there is no such thing as the "correct" types of a needle or tugra Are these medals systematized anywhere so that a collector can rely on the description of the correct types of them? I posted this medal on a few militaria forums and in each forum were people with pro and contra opinions. The problem is that those who believe the star is a fake provide little or no arguments in support of their opinion.

HSU #1 was awarded to Lyapidevsky - one of the pilots from Cheluskin rescuing mission. His awards are in the State Historical Museum, Moscow which invites a lot of questions on the item shown.

I will try to make some extra photos tonight. Patina does not raise any of my concerns and seem quite natural. I say so because I have some experience in applying patinating ointments to the silver.

Would you justify your opinion please? It does not seem a fake to me and I would like to see some arguments if possible.

Stalino is the name for Donetsk in Ukraine in 1924-1961, major city of Donbass region where fighting between local militiaman and ukraininan government is ongoing. Well, before 1977 all the awards were to be returned to the state after awardee's death except for OPWs only which relatives could retain. Therefore, the posthumous awards should not be scarce in theory but lack of supplementary documents leave them untraced. I have got a few early suspension bar OPWs, one of which is in immaculate condition with all the enamels intact - most likely it is a posthumous award.

Gentlemen, I am kindly requesting opinions on this Gallipoli Star. It is well-known fact this award was produced by numerous makers and, therefore, its variations are rife. There are also some number of fakes on the market out there and I would like to verify authenticity of this one. Would you be able to provide your thoughts on this piece? It seems to be fine to me: quality enamel, nice patina, non-magnetic (quite likely to be silver), 55 mm, 16.7 g but side opinions are very welcome.

Document. Many thanks in advance.

Reverse

Hello, A friend of mine has got an Excellent border guard badge 173 with the award document to Soviet lieutenant colonel and willing to sell it. Would you advise the right price for the badge, please?

Hi Mervyn, Thanks for your input and pictures you posted. Having examined the pics you provided I can only say that the dagger I posted resembles the one on the black and white pics and corresponds with the description. I wish it were Pattern 1 indeed but I am still hesitant due to lack of practical exprience with FS knives. I have a good chance of buying the dagger rather cheap but want to make sure I am not buying replica. Would anybody advise me a resource to get an opinion of a person with hands-on experience on FS 1? Many thanks

Hello gentlemen, I am a new forum member and looking for some info on this dagger. It looks to me original 1st pattern Fairburn Sykes Fighting knife. I am offered to purchase this item, however, as 1st pattern of this dagger is rather rare item I would like to get a piece of advise from other members of community who may be more competent to confirm authentity or disprove it. The knive has no stamps or marks other than etchings I showed. As far I am concerned this is how it should be with the 1st pattern. Pictures are attached I hope. What light can anyone shed on this weapon please? Thank you very much in advance.