RedMaestro

Wound Badges.

War Merit Crosses and Eastern Front Medals. One of the Ostfront medals has some sort of button on it. Anyone know what that is? Also, is there a way to keep it in such good shape?

Hi All! I figured it was about time I posted my collection, so here it is! I admit, I don't know what some of this stuff is, especially the German items from my father's old collection. Any help is appreciated! Enjoy! Alex

I agree! Really nice medal and great citation. Congrats! It's a pity he wasn't more highly decorated though, considering how successful he was. He at least deserved a Red Banner, or at the very least an OGPW 1st class.

That's a Polish order "Builder of People's Poland," I think communist Poland's highest award.

You're probably right. I'm no good with Polish (one of the most confusing languages around in my opinion). I would have had some of my family members who can speak polish translate, but they're not around unfortunately. Thanks for your help! Alex

Hi All! This is the newest addition to my collection, an Order of the Red Banner of Labor and Merit Cross 2nd class to Stanislaw S. Stefana. Sorry the scan of the medals isn't so great, but I didn't have my digital camera around. They look much nicer in person. Any opinions or other information are appreciated! Thanks! Alex

I agree with that! Unfortunately for me, I only just started collecting this summer, so all I can hope for is finding good deals every once in a while. For some REALLY expensive pieces, take a look at the ORB, RBL, BOH, and "Top Order" categories on Collect Russia. It just hurts to look at those prices!

Sorry Rick, I don't have any other images , and I really don't remember the serial #'s and dates. Since this was for sale I've started keeping better track of this type of info for future refrence. I think it was the same variation and similar serial number, and it was definately awarded in the 1970's. Sorry I can't help more. The "fake" OSH 3 group that appeared recently was about $1350 from a more reasonably priced dealer.

Here's the set. Aparently it was supposed to be from somebody in a ballistic missile unit, but I don't think there was research.

Collect Russia sold a similar OSH 3 and Red Star not too long ago for $2,700. I think it was only on the site for a matter of hours before someone bought it. This group is probably worth at least $3,000, in my opinion, if not more.

Finally got pictures of the medals. I couldn't get shots of the rims though. Tell me if you want better pictures. Thanks! -Alex

Berlin doc.

Stalingrad doc.

Moscow doc.

The back of the RS (shot of the OGPW was blurry, so don't have a picture of that):

The backs of the medals:

Hi All! This is another recent pickup of mine, a group to Guard Senior Lieutenant Trofimov Nikolai Dmitrievich. He apparently made it from Moscow, through Stalingrad, to Berlin. And he earned a red star (#2,124,058) and OGPW (#659,192) along the way...I think. Those two awards didn't come with an order book, so the only way to know for sure is through research, I guess. If anyone wants better pictures, let me know. Thanks! -Alex

I'm glad you like them! Any chance of getting research? I know you mentioned, Rick, that Nota Bene's service can't find singe awards, but are there any others that can? Thanks! -Alex

And a close up of the serial #'s.

The backs:

These are my 3 single awards. The red star (#2,711,370) was my first soviet medal, which I bought at a Madrid coin market. I found the red banner (#109,668) and MMM (#292,895) tucked away in the back corner of an antique store. The ORB only cost me $80. I also have a documented RBL (#1,174,823), but I have no pictures of that one handy. Enjoy!

Hi all! I just found this on ebay not too long ago, a Stalin Prize 3rd class awarded to the head of the Donbass coal mines. Link below. Just though it was an interesting piece to bring to your attention, considering that it is so rare and was awarded to such an important person. Any thoughts? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...=tab%3DWatching -Alex