John F.

Hi Gary, It's been a long time, hope all is well on the ranch. As a former Texas Army Nat'l Guard Officer and Bn S1 I can tell you that Graco makes all the TXNG awards, they also produce the MOH, or at least they did. I put together a MOH display in the ROTC building at the University of Texas at Austin in honor of MOH recipient First Lieutenant Russell A. Stiendam, a UT grad and who the ROTC Building is named after (RAS Hall), and the MOH came from Graco. Other manufactures of US awards are IRA Green and Vanguard. Best, John

I know I am a bit late on this thread but here is the awarding critiria for an ARCOM. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Award may be made to a member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States. Awards may be made for acts of valor performed under circumstances described above which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal. These acts may involve aerial flight. An award may be made for acts of noncombatant-related heroism which do not meet the requirements for an award of the Soldier?s Medal. Best, John

Hi Peter, Acid Test refers to testing of the finish in an acid solutions for quality. It does not indicate sterling silver, but the ability to resist tarnish to the gilding finish. Best, John

In a nut shell it means variation.

Close-up...Smile George!

This is the big daddy of Bulgarian Awards. This is a cased Order of George Dimitrov?2nd emission. This order was one of the highest Bulgarian awards and was always presented with the Hero of the PRB Gold Star. The Order of George DimitrovIt is also known as the little brother of the Order of Lenin. The order was first instituted on June 17, 1950. The order is made of gold and enamel with the face of George Dimitrov - the Bulgarian Communist Party leader. The order is also inscribed with "George Dimitrov" name under his relief. The second emission is made of 31 grams of 14ct gold and is hollow. On the reverse there is two holes and is not number. The Order of George Dimitrov was awarded approximately to4000 people.

Here is another simple Bulgarian award. It is a Combat Merit Medal that was established on December 13, 1950. It was awarded to personnel in the Armed Forces (PRB) and in the Ministry of Interior (secret police - MVR) for military achievement, defense of the boarders and internal/external security of the country. It was also to be awarded for bravery on the battlefield.

Hi Gerd, It will set you back about $65 USD.

Here is the "Order 9 September 1944" 3rd emission, 1cl with swords and case. This was a massive award with enamel on both sides. This version/emission is consider rare because it was only awarded during a very short period beginning in the late 1960s and endeing in early part of 1970.

Here it is again with award packet. The Bulgarian Order of 9 September 1944, was instituted on 9 Sept 1945, for the people (both military and civilians) of Bulgaria who took part in the armed revolt against the Nazi oppressors. The obverse of the award has the face of "Vassil Levski" who was the Bulgarian Patron Saint of Freedom. The reverse has a screw back fastener and has the "Strahil Miloshev" maker mark. The screw fastener also has 9 Sept 1944, stamped on it and is surrounded by laurel leaves. It came in an envelope packet, which was used prior to the standardized red leatherette style cases. During the 1980's, due to cost the Bulgarian Communist Government switched from the leatherette boxes to a red plastic cases. This award was produced from 1945 to 1989 and came in 3 classes with two variations (with and without swords). The first class was a neck order that was doubled sided white enamel. The 2nd Class also had white enamel but had a screw back type fastener, just like the 3rd class. This award had many emissions during its short 44 year life span.

Here is the backside

Here is my 9 Sept 44 - 2nd emission, 3rd class with swords

Hi Doc, Nice RSR version of the The Order of Labor. The Order of Labor (aka: Order of Work), was established on 29th April 1948, and was awarded to civilians and foreigners who in their work rendered special service to the Romanian people in the areas of production, science, culture, literature, art, education, and health care. This award was similar to the Soviet Order of the Red Banner of Labor.

Looks good to me

Here is an interesting modification to an Order of the Patriotic War 2cl, with a classic looking German pin and catch. Maybe a repair job while in Germany after the war. [attachmentid=22940]

Complet set - Obverse & Reverse [attachmentid=22888]

His third award was the Medal for Labor, which he earned on August 18, 1954. The medal was created in 1948, and is awarded to both military and civilian personnel for special merits in the different spheres. His fourth and last medal is the Medal of Merit 1cl, which was founded in 1954. It came in two classes and served as long service and good conduct medal. It was presented to personnel in the armed forces, the state security and the police. [attachmentid=22884]

His first awards is the Medal for the Liberation from Fascism. He was presented it on August 19, 1950. The Communist Government first awarded the medal in 1949, to soldiers and civilians who participated in the ?struggle? against the Germans in World War II. His second award was the 10-year Anniversary of the Romanian Army (1943-1953), which he was awarded on October 1, 1953. [attachmentid=22883]

The Translation Reads: This booklet is issued by THE GREAT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (which was the former Romanian parliament) and confirm that Sr Lt Buhoci received following awards? [attachmentid=22882]

Here is a grouping I picked-up recently that I thought I would share. This belonged to Senior Lieutenant Mikhail M. Buhoci of the Romanian Army. It consists of a 1950?s awards booklet, issued by the Romanian Parliament with Lieutenant Buchoci?s picture and list his 4 medals. His awards include: The Medal for the Liberation from Fascism; 10 yr Anniversary of the Romanian Army: Medal for Labor; and the Military Merit Medal - 1st cl. [attachmentid=22881]

Holy cow! $180-200 dollars, you are joking...right?

Hi Tony, Wow...what a great response! It's as clear as a bell as to what I have here...about a $40 medal Thank you! John

Hi Tony, Thanks for the reply. So you are saying that this is a modern re-strike, so why did they mark it "SPECIMEN" and not "COPY"? I'm still not sure what I have. Thanks, John

Here is a close-up of the missing "S". [attachmentid=22199]

Hi Ed, Here is an excerpt from the 2002 Medal Year book. It says specimens were made but they were marked "COPY". It also states that the S in "Son" in Spink & Son should be removed/erased, which the example I posted the S is removed. This can be seen under the front paw of the lion. The gong does swivel and is made of silver. Here is that excerpt: [attachmentid=22198]