utopis

So we assume that they were acid treated. What else could scorch the metal like this. The only remaining question is why. The only reason that comes to mind is that this was done to remove oxidation from a ground dug piece. But why the gilding and adding of a ribbon? To increase the value at most...

Where did this two medals show up?

I have to admit that this one is much closer. Not only has it the raised line on the border but also the collar is stronger pronounced than on the first one.

#

Acid would be the only possibility but then some of the borders seem to sharp Multiple dies is of course very plausible. Now one needs to examine the different designs to check this line beneath the neck.

Aha! I always wondered ...

Have a look at this: 1. The leaf which decorates the suspension socket is very thick. The marked position (1) shows a corner of the leaf which exists on the right (original) but not on the left. And it looks like there was never something on the left. Because if there was something but was completely erased the whole surface must be flat. The relief should the be completely gone. 2. This line is definitely not on the right piece. One and the same die could not produce such a raised line if it wasn't altered. What would be the reason for that?

I'm not sure that I see it.. Could you mark the position?

look at the medal in post #11 on the right site the border ornament has a raised line that shouldn't be there

cast?

Definitely! Hm, maybe we should learn from the past aka Soviet and Imperial Russian stuff and buy what now seems expensive. With the growing middle class in China I don't think that the prices will fall in the next years.

Almost $4k

.

Bling bling!

Is it actually known which resin was used in Germany 'till 1918 to assemble the orders and decorations?

Another thing that would point to Montenegro are the crowns. The Russian Eagle has one on each head and another one on top. This one like the Montenegrin has only one large crown.

As far as I know the Serbian eagle isn't holding any regalia in it's talons. But it appears the the eagle on the dagger has a scepter and an orb (?).

Yeah the design of the face could have been better. Why is the whole thing still holding together, then?

What is up with the silver rays? Are they moving around because of the missing rivet?

Nakhimov 2.Cl No. 78 Awarded to Sen. lieutenant Lapin L.P., Airborne Navy of the North Fleet. senior Lieutenant Lapin was heavily wounded in 1942, with one of his feet amputated. However, half a year later he was able to return to active duty in his regiment

Good start, I like it. Keep it up! I uploaded the picture to the gmic server so it won't be lost in the future.

I'm going to visit the three Baltic States and their capitals next week and would like to know which museums, shops or markets to visit. I am especially interest in these rare awards of the first Baltic Republics before WWII. Help is greatly appreciated!

Very heroic design. I like it. It would be nice to see close up pictures.

Hm I think in this case the legion of merit isn't the greatest beauty on this photograph <-

And here you can see an offer from a dealer's site (which often (usually?) have high prices) for "only" $7500.