slava1stclass

On 11/10/2014 at 14:49, GHB said:

Twenty Years ago I requested information under "Freedom of Information Act" from various agencies and sources of the USG regarding award of US decorations to Soviet Troops. Attached is a memorandum received from the Presidential Library regarding award to Soviet Troops as recommended by the Military Mission Moscow. These names are likely not on the list that Slava has from OMSA. Note this list includes an additional DFC to a Colonel.

Gents,

  I finally got around to cross-checking this list which GHB kindly provided.  It turns out the one DFC, two DSC and 57 Legion of Merit recipients on the list are in fact already known recipients.

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 27/10/2014 at 09:06, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

I finally got around to analyzing NavyFCO's earlier excellent primary research contributions.  Here are the breakouts by award dates:

June 22nd, 1943 U.S. Military Awards Presentation at AMEMBASSY Moscow:

Distinguished Service Cross - 20 presented

Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army) - 20 presented

Navy Cross - 10 presented

Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Navy) - 10 presented

August 22nd, 1944 U.S. Military Awards Presentation at AMEMBASSY Moscow:

Distinguished Service Cross - 25 presented

Distinguished Flying Cross - 25 presented

Silver Star - 50 presented

Legion of Merit (Commander) - 25

Legion of Merit (Officer) - 30

Legion of Merit (Legionnaire) - 40

A few observations. These two presentation ceremonies accounted for 45 of the 53 known DSC awards to Red Army personnel; all of the known U.S. Army DSM awards (20); roughly half (10) of the 22 known U.S. Navy DSM awards; and slightly under half (50) of the 119 known Silver Star awards.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  In cross-checking the recipients' names in the August 22, 1944, Pravda article against U.S. Army records, I detected a major error.  The Red Army personnel listed as having been awarded the Legion of Merit in the degree of Legionnaire were in fact awarded the Silver Star.  That said, the above original post is amended as follows:

August 22nd, 1944, U.S. Military Awards Presentation at AMEMBASSY Moscow:

Distinguished Service Cross - 25 presented

Distinguished Flying Cross - 25 presented

Silver Star - 90 presented

Legion of Merit (Commander) - 25

Legion of Merit (Officer) - 30

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  CBE recipient Guards Lieutenant General S. I. Gorshkov.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  CBE recipient Guards Lieutenant General (Naval Aviation) V. I. Aladinskiy.

CBE recipient Major General K. V. Sychev.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  DSO recipient Guards Major General V. A. Chistov.

CBE recipient Guards Major General (Tank Troops) I. A. Taranov.

CBE recipient Lieutenant General (Naval Infantry) P. A. Mogrunov.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,,

  Some guys love screw-back orders so much they simply say to hell with regulations.  Major General A. O. Muratov is one such character.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  If you're going to wear a ribbon bar, there is nothing better than a pure wall of Lenins.  Hero of Socialist Labor Major General (Engineering Technical Service) Yu. Ye. Maksarev. 

Regards.

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Yes, you are seeing correctly - he is a Major General.  Major General (Administrative Service) A. D. Kalachev.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  My small contribution to the question Wild Card first posited in this thread on February 10, 2012.  For the first time in English, detailed information is provided on the HSU titles awarded for valor in the Battle of Kursk:  https://www.amazon.com/Tigers-Steppe-Valor-Battle-Kursk/dp/B086G27991/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1587388611&sr=1-3

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 07/03/2016 at 19:12, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Currently available at auction for an opening bid of $16,695.00.  While the OGI is legitimate, the OGII and OGIII "duplicates" are not official-issue duplicates, but rather were fabricated to round out the "set."

Regards,

slava1stclass  

 

Gents,

  Some four years on and this "set" is still looking for a home.  The current asking price is 15,000.00 euros or approximately $16,400.00.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Taking advantage of today's shelter-in-place environment, I completed my third book. 

  I hope this finds you and yours well as you weather the ongoing corona virus storm.  Stay safe.  

https://www.amazon.com/Tigers-Steppe-Valor-Battle-Kursk/dp/B086G27991/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585736449&sr=1-4

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Things have been very quiet on the sales front.  One can only wonder if the ongoing corona virus crisis and its related severe effect on the global economy may cause some to liquidate their collections to raise capital.

Regards 

slava1stclass

On 27/09/2018 at 19:54, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Currently available in the former Soyuz.  Asking price:  $30,500.00. 

  The set includes a duplicate/replacement award booklet which the Russian Federation issued on June 2, 1994.  It's the first time I've seen such a booklet with a Full Cavalier set. 

  He was a sergeant major and recon squad leader in a rifle battalion when recommended for his OGI.

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 22/06/2019 at 10:49, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Still listed on the well-known auction site.  The BIN price was reduced to $39,500.00 (from $42,500.00) on June 16, 2019.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Remains available; no takers thus far.  The BIN price is unchanged.

Regards,

slava1stclass 

On 30/10/2019 at 04:54, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Currently available on the well-known auction site for a BIN price of $8,999.00.  He was a senior sergeant serving as a mortar crew chief in a mortar company assigned to a rifle regiment when recommended for his OGI.  His regiment was subordinate to the 2nd Ukrainian Front.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  No takers thus far.  BIN price remains unchanged.

Regards,

slava1stclass

10 hours ago, USSR said:

Dear slava1stclass,

there has been a long discussion going on about a group posted before with a OG1 #363. Maybe you can give conclusive answer whether the OG1 is authentic or not. Your opinion is much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

3 hours ago, USSR said:

Indeed. I have used many examples in the same range. It’s not me who is questioning the set. And the buyer isn’t worried either. Still, some other people expressed their concerns. So maybe you can help taking their concerns away. 

thanks

Matt,

  What is the serial number of the first/top comparison image? 

  Should the discussion of concerns relating to OGI 363 be taking place on another online forum, please provide the link to it.  You may PM me the link if you prefer.  Thank you.

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 25/03/2018 at 17:51, USSR said:

Another great set to Александр Семёнович Писклов :-)

1 hour ago, USSR said:

Dear slava1stclass,

there has been a long discussion going on about a group posted before with a OG1 #363. Maybe you can give conclusive answer whether the OG1 is authentic or not. Your opinion is much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Matt,

  Since you sold this group (https://sovietorders.com/product/group-order-glory-1st-2nd-3rd-class/), I assume someone is now questioning its authenticity and looking to take you up on your lifetime guarantee.  

  Please see attached images of an OGI that falls within seven numbers of the OGI in the set you sold.  I hope this is of some assistance to you.

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 13/12/2019 at 14:44, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  The catalog for the The New York Sale Auction L (50) is now online.  The auction is scheduled for January 16, 2020.  One Order of Glory First Class is included in the auction.  Its details follow:

"3106  Researched Order of Glory 1st Class.  Type 1.  Award # 3169.  23K GOLD.  Comes with copies of the full research, about 20 pages, including Award Card and all Citations.  Awarded to sergeant Pishkevich V.N., who, according to research, was bestowed it in 1969 (!), apparently in exchange for duplicate 3rd class awarding.  Most likely one of the very last awarding of this order in the USSR era.  Comes with Certificate of Authenticity from A. Filer (9.5 out of 10 condition rating).  Rare such.  Condition: Mint condition, flawless enamels, all original, including suspension and ribbon.  Silver connecting ring uncut.  $10,000"

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  It sold for $8,500.00 at yesterday's auction.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  The catalog for the The New York Sale Auction L (50) is now online.  The auction is scheduled for January 16, 2020.  One Order of Glory First Class is included in the auction.  Its details follow:

"3106  Researched Order of Glory 1st Class.  Type 1.  Award # 3169.  23K GOLD.  Comes with copies of the full research, about 20 pages, including Award Card and all Citations.  Awarded to sergeant Pishkevich V.N., who, according to research, was bestowed it in 1969 (!), apparently in exchange for duplicate 3rd class awarding.  Most likely one of the very last awarding of this order in the USSR era.  Comes with Certificate of Authenticity from A. Filer (9.5 out of 10 condition rating).  Rare such.  Condition: Mint condition, flawless enamels, all original, including suspension and ribbon.  Silver connecting ring uncut.  $10,000"

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  The Battle of Berlin's 75th anniversary is but a few short months away (the battle commenced on April 16, 1945).  For the first time in English, the battle is chronicled via the combat exploits of Red Army soldiers who were awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title for their valor in capturing the city.  Paperback and eBook versions are available:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1710970693?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Currently available on the well-known auction site for a BIN price of $8,999.00.  He was a senior sergeant serving as a mortar crew chief in a mortar company assigned to a rifle regiment when recommended for his OGI.  His regiment was subordinate to the 2nd Ukrainian Front.

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 27/09/2019 at 15:22, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Just a tad over 2 1/2 years later and good old number "967" is up for auction in the former Soyuz.  Opening bid is set at $3,500.00.

Regards.

slava1stclass

Gents,

  "967" sold at its initial price of $3,500.00.

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 02/02/2017 at 15:43, USSR said:

Or mine ?

On 03/02/2017 at 01:39, Christian Zulus said:

A copy, USSR? The Spassky-Tower and the Red Star are looking different ...

On 03/02/2017 at 02:59, USSR said:

No, it's authentic and comes with a COA. Probably some distortion as a result of the bright the lighting.

On 03/02/2017 at 18:33, Christian Zulus said:

Dear USSR,

the Spassky-Tower and the Red Star on top are too narrow. Can you forward the photograph of your OGI on the COA?

If your OGI is authentic, then it looks like fresh from the stocks of the mint. Did you invest some few bucks into research?

Kind regards

Christian

On 05/02/2017 at 16:56, USSR said:

Here it is. But as you can see, the serial number was altered. I am really curious why this was done.

On 05/02/2017 at 18:17, USSR said:

Here it is

And a scan of the obverse 

On 05/02/2017 at 18:33, Egorka said:

Thanks! A bit weird...  He wore his award at least once, when his photograph was taken.  So the mint condition is too minty... And obviously faked number and erasure signs of the old one. 

Did you get it in a group? I am thinking why one would fake a number? If we trust the order it self is genuine, then why bother? Only if to fit a document or a group... 

On 05/02/2017 at 18:47, USSR said:

I'm very sure it's authentic. Not only because the COA was made by 3 experts (and because I am not exactly a beginner either), but also because this order was bought in Russia 1993 by a trusted friend of mine. 

Now, the reason why the serial number was buffed out... One can only speculate. What I did notice is that the serial number was erased in a similar manor as some duplicate OPW's 1 and (other?) duplicate Glory's 1st class I have witnessed. But the engraving of the new serial number is a real mistery. The order was not purchased as part of a group so it was not done to deceive.

On 05/02/2017 at 21:31, Christian Zulus said:

Dear USSR,

no doubt, your OGI is 100% authentic - your first photograph was wrong :-)

It's a very late version with that pebbled rv.

A more or less logic solution for the new engraved s/n. and the absolute 10/10 condition might be, that Gantsev's OGI had been stolen, he went with his documents to the mint and they gave him - or sold him - this very new one. Maybe the stamping machine was out of order or engraving was just easier. So the mint could also not STAMP this cyrillic "d" on the reverse for "duplicat".

Have you checked Gantsev's personel files in the military archives, if there is something like that recorded?

Kind regards

Christian

On 06/02/2017 at 07:10, USSR said:

Thanks Christian,

Yes, it does sound like a plausible explanation. I have not checked the files yet. Do you think this kind of information is documented? 

Cheers!

Matt

On 06/02/2017 at 11:47, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  My take:

  - The obverse of "967" clearly bears the hallmarks of an original, mint-produced OGI.

  - Gantsev's OGI was approved on April 10, 1945.  He died in 1968. 

  - I have never encountered a mint-issued official duplicate OGI whose serial number was hand engraved.  All serial numbers were stamped.  The stamped Cyrillic letter "D" (for duplicate) was found above the serial number.

  - I believe USSR's OGI to be a non-issued/unawarded example whose original serial number was four digits.  That serial number was removed and serial number "967" was added.  It is anyone's guess as to why "967" was chosen.  For illustrative purposes, the attachment shows the reverse side of two sequentially numbered non-issued OGIs.  As Christian noted, their very pronounced stippling clearly matches that of USSR's OGI.

  While USSR's OGI's authenticity is not in doubt, the fact it was altered will clearly affect its long-term value.  In my personal view, it would have been better if the original serial number had not been removed - even if it was a non-issued piece.

Regards,

slava1stclass 

On 06/02/2017 at 15:39, Egorka said:

Slava1stclass puts it well. Sorry to say, but I think, this order is the victim of the "wild" 1990s. The fact that it was purchased in Russia in 1993 strongly supports this case. 

On 07/02/2017 at 12:59, USSR said:

No need to say to say sorry;-) I'm well aware that the value is affected by the serial number alteration ?

On 10/02/2017 at 08:45, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Serial number "967" is now available for sale on the well-known auction site.  Opening bid was .99 U.S. cents.  Current bid stands at $20.50.

  Christian's and my own comments used earlier in this thread are cited in the order's description:

"The first theory is that the initial order was stolen from or lost by Dmitry Feodorovich Gantsev, he went with his documents to the mint and they gave him - or sold him - this very new one. The stamping machine might have been out of order so the mint could notstamp the number and the cyrillic "D" for "duplicat".

The second theory is that the order is a non-issued/unawarded example whose original serial number was four digits.  That serial number was removed and serial number "967" was added."

  Good luck to USSR! 

Regards,

slava1stclass

On 10/02/2017 at 10:07, Christian Zulus said:

Gentlemen,

"the first theory", mine, is totally wrong! I made a mistake ? I simply oversaw, that Gantsev already passed away in 1968 and not in the 1990s, during the inferno of the Yeltsin-era. Of course, in the 1960s Gantsev would have got a duplicate OGI with stamped s/n. and with an "d" on it!

"The second theory" by Slava1stclass is the correct one :-)

I guess, Matt's OGI will get a highest bid somewhere in the range between USD 5,000.- and USD 7,000.-.

The order is in an outright 10/10 condition, represents the very last version and there are no doubts about authenticy. On the other side, this OGI has no history, due to fact, that this order came directly - stolen or illegally sold - from the mint and the s/n. was afterwards faked, to hide the legal ownership of the Moscow mint. So, it seems quite difficult, to sell it to a Russian collector.

Kind regards

Christian

On 19/02/2017 at 22:39, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  USSR's OGI serial number "967" sold for $5,000.00 on the well-known auction site. 

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Just a tad over 2 1/2 years later and good old number "967" is up for auction in the former Soyuz.  Opening bid is set at $3,500.00.

Regards.

slava1stclass

On 11/09/2019 at 15:12, slava1stclass said:

Gents,

  Major General Clarence R. Huebner, Commanding General, V Corps, seen wearing the Order of Suvorov Second Class and the Guards badge.  

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  MG Huebner meeting with the Soviets at the Elbe River on April 26, 1945.  Pictured from left to right are:  BG Charles G. Helmick (CG, V Corps Artillery), MG Huebner, Guards Major General Vladimir V. Rusakov (Commander, 58th Guards Rifle Division) and an unidentified Soviet field-grade officer.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Gents,

  Major General Clarence R. Huebner, Commanding General, V Corps, seen wearing the Order of Suvorov Second Class and the Guards badge.  

Regards,

slava1stclass