drclaw

Congratulations on your find! A very interesting piece indeed as is the history. I particularly like the Mongolian characters on the lacquer box as you normally only find kanzi or Chinese script on these.

Oh gosh, really sorry to hear that. What an absolute pain in the proverbials. You must be seriously weighing up the pros and cos of smacking him one vs. spending the next 6 months as an involuntary guest of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The confiscation of the Jordanian medal would be the biggest blow. That was an absolute beauty. May karma smile upon you so that you stumble upon an Aladin's cave of ODM rarities in a dusty antique shop in your next port of call. Gavin

Most people would know Matt Groening as creator of the Simpsons. He is less well known for his creative efforts on Futurama and antique Persian Orders. It's still an incredibly characterful example and in perfect condition even with the slightly worn ribbon. A worthy addition to your collection. :beer:

Congratulations Lorenzo! Very nice pick-up. The Arthus Bertrand examples are uncommon, no? Normally only see the Garrards and even these are very rare. I'm still on the look-out for a cased Garrard Commanders ... but at a reasonable price. Gavin

Markus, this is indeed a very rare and very distinguished piece that you have collected. To find a pre-1872 Lion and Sun is rare enough. To find one in perfect condition, with the original ribbon, and the original case in pristine condition .... !!!!! Your collection of Lions and Sun is truly world class and there wouldn't be more than a handful of individuals in the world with comparable collections of this very beautiful Order. Gavin

Hey Dieter, what a fascinating little item! It's like preserving a piece of the Berlin Wall, but without the bad karma. The Imperial Guard crest is a reproduction?

Thanks Tom for sharing your latest research findings. This truly is a rewarding hobby regardless of the final outcome. My only regret is that I have not been able to contact Bojidar's grand-daughter. She would have been able to share a very personal insight on the second half of Bojidar's life, after he began his new life in the United States. Gavin

Congratulations Lorenzo! It is a very beautiful piece. Thanks also for educating us novices about the difference between the Kingdom and Republican issue ribbon. I had no idea about that and something to keep a look out for in the future. :beer:

Beautiful Dieter, thanks for posting this Both the medal and the case are in pristine condition. It still amazes me why more people don't collect these - myself included!

Thanks Jim, beautiful pieces. I just love the speckled red enamel of these stars. Some examples are just painted red.

Stunning medal Dieter, congratulations on your find! Case looks absolutely pristine too. I find the "blended" colours on Japanese ODM very attractive. Still waiting for those Rising Suns pics ...

Thanks for posting this up Lorenzo. A great reference indeed. What is the Order on the top row, far right? Is that a Rafidain collar? Sent you a message to your email address on something you might be interested in. Gavin

Very nice! If you have a chance, could you post a close up of one of the stars? Would be great to appreciate the red enamel close up.

And the case

Just arrived from La Phalere in France, a Persian Order of the Lion and the Sun Commanders by Arthus Bertrand of Paris. It is in its original red leather case bearing the emblem of the standing Qajar lion with sword in gold, with the maker's monogram in the interior of the case. The quality of the European manufacture far surpasses that of my Persian made examples. Each of the separate green enamel rays has been "rivetted" to the medal, whereas the Persian examples simply had the rays affixed with water soluble vegetable gum. The quality of the enamel painted Lion is also excellent, and very different to the characterful (if somewhat cartoony) Persian painted Lions. Gavin

Hi Chris, I'm afraid that all I can tell you is that it is almost as large as your outstretched hand, made of solid gilded silver, and weighs accordingly. There is a vertical pin clasp on the reverse. Gavin

Very nice, Owain. The research and personal history of the piece is something I find particularly fascinating. I put together some research on a Serbian Order of St Sava recently which arrived with a very interesting calling card. In the end, the award and the individual I was hoping to match it against did not align. But in the process I learnt the story of a very interesting individual. Gavin

Very nice Josef! I don't collect these but must seriously think about picking one up now. They are among the nicest medals ever made. Gavin

VERY nice! Where DO you get these wonderful toys! The case is in pristine condition as are the medals themselves. Thanks for sharing. :cheers:

Thanks Lambert, and the same applies to you and your fantastic website! Please keep posting on your medals blog! Gavin

Thanks Milan, Tom and Khorgor, It has certainly been an absolutely fascinating journey. I think the date of manufacture of the Sorlini St Savas is the clincher and we can bring this thread to a close. Pouritch would certainly not have been awarded a relatively low grade (4th Class) in the 1930s given his rank and past experience. So this would fit nicely with Tom's theory that it was most likely Pouritch who was awarding the St Sava during his time as Minister in Paris as opposed to Pouritch being the owner. I have to say that any sense of disappointment I might feel at the end result is insignificant compared to the enjoyment of the journey over the last few weeks - learning the life story of a fascinating individual; and sharing the journey with fellow Gentlemen whilst enjoying their insights and expertise. Tom - I wish you the very best for your ongoing research and hope you might be able to share some of it one day Milan - I've spent plenty of time on your website gazing at all those glorious St Savas and White Eagles. Hope to add a White Eagle to my collection soon. Gavin :beer:

"I still need to figure out if the proper version is real diamonds or just simulated....." If you were thinking of commissioning one, you should duck over the border and have one specially made with Burmese rubies. Your Order would truly be the only one of its type in the world :lol:

Hi Megan, thanks for sharing these. You don't see Tanzanian medals much at all. Are there any awards / Orders still issued specifically for Zanzibar? Would be interested to know given Zanzibar's 'semi-autonomous' status and the fact that Zanzibar had a very rich history of awards - the absolutely stunning Order of the Brilliant Star for example. Gavin

Absolutely stunning, Markus. Congratulations on your purchase! You are rapidly building a true connoisseur's collection of European Lion and Suns. The green enameling of the European orders appear a lot more durable than the Persian manufactured ones. What is the texture of the green enamel rays like? My Persian ones are slowly turning to powder unfortunately. Gavin

Here's an interesting link to the Thai Government's Cabinet Office which has pictures and description in English of the different Thai Royal Orders still being awarded. My link