new world

I am reading Russian historical novel about Russian Imperial officer who was involved in some events which took place on Balkans in the beginning of the 20th century. One of the characters in the book was young Serbian officer Dragutin Dmitrijevic (aka Apis). The book sparked my interest in him and after searching the web it turns out he was real person and the novel had quite accurate account of his deeds. Briefly, he was one of the main drivers of de-throning of Obrenovich dynasty in 1903, ater Apis became a Colonel and a mastermind of Serbian intelligence service. He was also a notable member of Serbian Black Hand organisation, which was behind several assasination attempts on high ranking Austro-Hungarian officials and eventually culminated in assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 in Sarayevo, which essentially started WWI in Europe. I was able to find two really bad pictures of Col Apis in which he wears some awards. Does anyone know which awards were bestowed on him? Judging from his important role in Serbial politics, I would assume his list of awards must have been quite impressive. Also, does anyone have better pics of Colonel Apis? Here's Wiki link about Apis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragutin_Dimitrijevic Best regards, William

Doc, I would keep them, especially if you paid little for these crosses. It's not about the looks, it's more about the heroic deeds they represent. After all, these were given only for the battle merit for guys in the trenches. William

Two signs to be specific...

It's listed for $3,300, more expensive than Igor's example!

Walter, I guess you are right and these stars are Type 2 made by IKOM. They must be super rare, as very few people ever saw them and there are no images available. Would you please post pics of the screplates for your stars? William

Thanks, the set is very nice. Cards on left are transportation discount coupons, which allowed for some free tickets every year. William

Initially order was designed without green laurel, later extra element was added to the construction. Early specimens without the wreath were awarded only for few months and hence are quite rare. William

Rick, welcome, you will find collecting Mongolian awards a very interesting hobby. William

There a seller on eBay who currently has several top Mongolian awards for sale, including Sukhe Bator, Red Banner 3 and Red Banner 4. His prices are on the high side though. William

Here's my documented set to Hero of Yugoslavia Bartola Vinko Pajic.

I will, I just need to find pics of the set. W

Thanks for the link! I found article about my hero: Bartola Vinko Pajic. William

Please show us what you got. 请拿出什么你。

Can someone from former Yugoslavia confirm hypothesis that these start are IKOM made? Also, the absense on serial numbers is still a question - why there isn't any on 1st and 2nd classes, while 3rd class IKOM seem to have serial numbers engraved? William

Doc, this is very nice early award of the order with low serial number! It's unusual in a way that it has screw-back attachment device, most of them have pin-back. Award book is also of better quality hard cover, later documents came with leatherette type books, the same type as Soviet 1985-OPW. Nice find! William

There have been fakes going back as far as 2003. I remember seing a set with fake 1st and 2nd classes, I hope I still have pics soewhere. William

There's plenty of areas where you can get decent deals and build nice colection. North Korea is nice, especially early Soviet-made pieces. They are still undervalued IMHO and can be found relatively easy. Socialist Yugoslavia offers some great deals for the buck, but things started to dry out as well. Prices are still reasonable though. As for me, I've been collecting Royal Bulgaria (but the situation is getting to the point where offerings are slim and the prices are high). My recent area of interest - Royal Serbia / Yugoslavia. William

Bob, Awesome award! Congratulations on acquiring of such a gem!!! William

Things are dry not only for Mongolian militaria. I have my collecting interests in some other areas and the situation is very much the same accross the board - just a few items available for purchase at insane prices. William

It seems to me that IM currently is following a business model when he's getting the items from his old customers in the West and re-selling it to cash-rich collectors in Russia. I am curious what will he do when sources in the USA will dry up, as most of his old clients sell their collections? William

I was concerned about the wreath on 1st class - it looks too thin. And now lack of markings and serial number - not very good sign...

Walter, please post reserve of Partisan Star 1st and 2nd class. William

Milan, never never feel regrets, you can't change the past! You did what you thought was the best at the that moment and it looks like you are certainly happy with your royal collection. William

It's interesting that for Order of Flag he received Romanian Award card in addition to Yugoslavian document.

Nice collection! Please post images of the documents. William