Paul R

I remember those days. I started collecting Soviet awards in 1992. I wish I were more than an E3 at the time, so I could have picked up more. I knew that they would go up some day. Despite my low enlisted rank, I was able to obtain some really cool groups that I would never be able to afford today, even though my pay is much higher. I remember people giving me crap as late as 2000, saying that they would never be worth anything. Among my favorites is the screwback ORB that I picked up from Igor back in 1994 for 90 dollars. After research, it was determined that it belonged to a Major for recon results in Stalingrad. I remember that paying the 90 dollars for the ORB required consideration because I could buy four regular ORB for that price. My regret was that I did not pick up a Nevsky for 240 dollars... It is still one of the more attractive orders.

One of the best looking WW1 tunics I have seen. It is brought to life with that mannikin.

I personally love these. What I find most interesting is that I read that these were the most commonly awarded medals, but they are so scarce to find mounted.

They were using these in WW2 as well. I have one, but the sheath looks a little different and is painted black. Are there any markings on the other side of the blade, near the hilt?

I will have to take a look at mine... I know that this is a different topic, but what research did you get back on that award?

Here is some more information and photos. https://greatwarlondon.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/harry-fusao-ohara-japanese-fighter-pilot-1918/

They should! :-) Thank you.

Pretty awesome set of documents that could be very useful for someone researching this topic.

Hahaha. I was starting to wonder for a minute. I thought that the paint looked really new.

My wife loves these!!! She says that we are now going to Westpoint to see this in person!! Thank you for posting the image.

Here are mine. I think that they have a great shot as well. No provenance, so not provable either way. They match no known fake styles out as of yet. Also, Saddam was a much larger person(frame) than most Iraqis. This set are much longer than the other ranks than I have in the collection, which makes sense. The only think that sucks about this hobby is that Iraqi tailors were cranking these out to sell to us tourists as soon as 2003. For this reason, all we can do is compare to known post war techniques. I am sure that I turn away from many legit items, as many were made by the same exact people who were making them before the war. The only reason that I pause a little with your single there is that it is much shorter than I would expect. Either way, I would love to add it to my collection.

That is a killer photo. The Flak and Close Combat badge is always an impressive combination.

I like it a lot.

Welcome Brian!!! It is great to have you.

Fixed the title. I really like that HG dagger. Thanks for sharing.

Did they have any Renault F 17s there?

Cant be original... can it?

Here is a link to the story. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/14/french-soldier-room-unchanged-first-world-war

What are these awarded for? Merit or Valor? Also, can enlisted members receive these awards?

Mike, Thank you for sharing this detailed write up. What prices have you seen for items in excellent to good condition?

Amazing groups... Keep them coming!

Christophe, I have never seen Saxon items that early. What is the bottom medal? Long Service?

Larry, I like the group photos a lot. It is great to see the low enlisted with more bling than the officer and senior NCOs. Jock, great wedding album. Are those all of the photos, or are there more? What badge is the groom wearing on his fliegerbluse?

Very nice pieces.

It is cool to have the original tunic of Sadat, although it does not match the one in the photo and is missing a shoulder board. Perhaps a repro with Sadat's original sash(silver thread has oxidized)?