Carol I

Did you find the badge in Russia? The article mentioned above stated that AVSAP organised international competitions with participants from similar organisation in neighbouring countries, so in principle there could be several such badges around in the former socialist countries and vice-versa (foreign badges in Romania).

Looking on the net for more information on AVSAP I have found a newspaper article illustrated with this colour photo of a member of the association wearing a cloth badge on the left arm.

A relatively simple solution to the problem could be found if one meets a retired serviceman from a tank unit (in service before 1990) and ask him directly about these badges. Alternatively, the National Military Museum might have some information, but the story goes that they are slow to answer.

This might not be a badge of AVSAP, but a pin for one of its activities: the 1955 International Motocross Competition.

I think it depends on the number of graduates. The academy has a homepage, but it does not seem to be working right now. It is/was made at the State Mint together with the other Romanian badges and decorations.

This badge was introduced after 1990, so the topic belongs to the non-communist era section.

As far as I know, they were not turned in. But on the other hand, wearing decorations was not very popular for people outside the military.

It was described as an award of the Second Spanish Republic that lasted nominally until 1939. So theoretically it could have been awarded during the Spanish Civil War. Practically though...

You're welcome. I thought it would be better to post the link to Colectionarul Roman here as well. To download the magazine, right-click on Descărcare and choose "Save Target As..." or the equivalent in your browser.

Try again, Anatoly. I just did a test and it worked OK.

I have found the Romanian translation of an OMSA article on the communist Order of the Star of Romania in a Romanian numismatics magazine, Colectionarul Roman. It describes several types and versions of this order as they appeared from discussions with former managers of the State Mint. To download the magazine, right-click on Descărcare and choose "Save Target As...".

Trendafilov was a Bulgarian officer, not Romanian.

Precisely and the evidence accumulates. :beer:

In the Tammann collection there was a similar badge together with other badges described as "exile editions" made by Frederico da Costa in Lisbon. I therefore wonder whether the cross under discussion was also an "exile badge".

Interesting, it's the first time I see this type. I wonder whether it was an official model or only a pattern from the mint.

As I said, there are only three types described: 1. RPR enamelled star: 1948-1964 2. RPR metal star: 1964-1966 3. RSR metal star: 1966-1989 Do you have an image of the fourth type?

I have found a reference to an OMSA article by Charles H. Pankey on the communist Order of the Star of Romania.

Kevin's description is for the latter two types of this order. They have similar insignia except for the initials on the coat-of-arms. However, there was also an earlier type that had a red-enamelled star instead of the metal star of the later types.

I could only identify three types. 1. RPR enamelled star: 1948-1964 2. RPR metal star: 1964-1966 3. RSR metal star: 1966-1989

Here is an image of the Spanish Order of the Republic (from the Tammann collection).

I think it had only a small soft-plastic envelope, in order not to waste plastic on making boxes. :rolleyes:

The full name of this medal was: Medalia comemorativă ?A 40-a aniversare a revoluţiei de eliberare socială şi naţională, antifascistă şi antiimperialistă? (The Commemorative Medal "The 40th anniversary of the social and national, antifascist and anti-imperialist liberation revolution"). (see Romanian Medals)

As far as I know, that was the suspension device for several medals in the period. And the same was valid for the simple tricolour ribbon bar. The reason was one of the obsessions of the 1980s Romania: save production costs by every mean. By the way, the saying goes that this medal was awarded on a much limited scale than planned once it was discovered that the period it marked was written on the reverse as "XXXX" instead of the correct "XL". :rolleyes:

Welcome to the GMIC forum, Damir! You can post images of your collection in the Collectors Showcase subforum.

... and this miniature bar.