Ed_Haynes

So many questions, so few answers

This could be the slogan for the Mongolian collecting community?

There may be some good news soon(ish).

Lovely, Kevin! Thanks for posting.

The domed plastic seems common in so many countries.

We all know the feeling, I think. We often need to remind ourselves that phaleristics isn't a competitive sport. This forum can give us a vicarious 'fix' when personal acquisitions (or budget) wane.

The most important point, however, is that when we collect items that are numbered (or named), every piece we have is unique, every piece (no matter how 'common') represents and reflects the services of an individual who may be otherwise totally forgotten, totally lost to history, except for that numismatically common item we hold in our hand, even that 'pedestrian' Red Star. It almost makes you choke up. When the research is done (or becomes possible), even the most common stuff takes on such a patina of history that it becomes exciting and satisfying. As prices rise, research and history becomes our refuge.

Now, if some bio-mechanical implant comes along for language acquisition in Russian, in Mongolian, in Hungarian, in Dari, in . . . .

Yes, almost "everything Mongolian" has been quiet.

So many of these RCBs came out of the Bank, especially in the high numbers, that it is hard to know where we stand. For example, while probably no more than four or five "4" awards were actually made, specimens numbered up to 86 have been observed. When research becomes available, a lot of the higher numbered items will turn out to be unawarded Bank 'escapees'. They'll still be of numismatic interest, but will have no history. It will also be interesting to see how many of the actually awarded pieces were long service awards (most of them, I'd guess).

Any documented "2", "3", or "4" specimens?

So much to learn, so much to await from the research.

Yes, that first variety Order of Labor is a nice one. Is yours numbered? Documented? (OK, we have to HOPE....)

Lovely!

If anyone (Rick?) feels up to doing the rubber-stamp-squinting routine, I can put up the other documents, or just details of the 'sexy bits'. Also, if you want detailed images of the badges, the group is still here.

And even MORE signatures on the back. All his mates' autographs?

The interior, with many signatures.

And one final (and very worn) one.

And inside (the verso, the left facing page, is blank).

Another certificate, not clearly matched with anything.

The inside spread.

Next.

Inside.

Inside.

Rather than post familiar documents (though we might learn something from squinting at the seals?), here are the "exotics". With these things -- as with Mongolian badges -- our only hope of knowing their true names may lie in recording the documents. Any wisdom and/or insights and/or translations would be welcomed!

First, despite a close encounter with a cigarette?

As always, all assistance is appreciated!

. . . until.

Up the chain of command . . .

Part 2.

Finally, the recommendation for his last (literally) OPW 1.

And the reverse.

And, finally, the fourth, and last, obverse.

Reverse.

Card three, obverse.