Riley1965

GREAT Collection!!! I like the Polar Star and of course the Lenin. Doc

Gerd, First, Thanks for the kind words about my article. I kept it basic for the new collector. As for fig.10 it should be a Monetny Dvor mint mark, flared edges, No screwpost base. As for the ORS section in the PMD I'll leave things alone. The PMD has served me, and many others, well over the years. I'm not ready to re-invent the wheel. All the Best, Doc

I looked at the website. It is an excellent site!! However,I find it in error with regards to the Order of the Red Star. There are only 3 Types of the Order of the Red Star with Type 2 having 7 variations. The website says that there are 6 Types. The three Types are: Type 1- Goznak mint mark Type 2- 7 variations Type 3- Three rivet construction Please see this article: http://www.soviet-awards.com/digest/redstar/RedStar1.htm It is a basic primer on the ORS. There is an error in it. I said that there are 8 variations of Type 2 instead of 7 variations. I will list all 7 variations of the ORS or the article will show them. If you are still not convinced ... PLEASE re-read your PMD as this ORS primer contains the pictures from Paul McDaniel. All the Best, Doc

Gerd, I see what appears to be a slight upward turn at the end of the word. Based on serial number ranges as well as my earlier statements, I stick by my observations with the change of "Slightly curved mint matk". Doc

Is this an enlisted cockade or an officers? Best, Doc

Here Ya go, Rick! Doc

Bryan, Here's the difference: #1 Order of the Red Star #380504 is a Type 2, Flat Star edges, no screwpost base #2 Order of the Red Star #733879 is a Type 2, Flared star edges, no screwpost base Both have Monetny Dvor mint mark, staright and written in two lines. Doc

Bryan, I was just trying to clarify what you were referring to. Yes, Alfred is correct. At that general serial number range the ORS changed as shown. I'll check my research for the variation type. I hope that Alfred and I could be of help?!! Doc

Here's a WWI Cap and a WWII Helmet. ENJOY!!! Doc

Here's some closer pics of Mikhail. Doc

Bayern Milit?r-Verdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern. The third class of the Military Service Cross was founded on December 22, 1913 by King Ludwig III of Bavaria. All awards of the Military Service Cross awarded during wartime were with swords. Doc

Here's Mikhail, Captain Soviet Air Force. He's wearing the M1949 Transitional uniform. I still need to add the shirt and tie. I also have the trousers but have yet to buy a full size mannequin and shoes. His Order of Glory, 3rd Class was earned as a Jr.Lt. Enjoy, Doc

Soviet, Are you referring to thinner red enamel or the silvet part of the star? Doc

Soviet, Congrats on your Glory II. I only have a Glory III. Are you going to have it researched? Doc

Okay, It's official. I have a Chronic case of the Hungarian bug. As with the other "bugs" there is no cure!!! Doc

I don't see what the problem is!! I've already mentioned that I spoke with Paul McDaniell yesterday and he confirmed my findings that these were NOT fantasy pieces and were in fact GENUINE MINT ERRORS that were "gobbled up by collectors. I'll make some calls to confirm whether any were known to have been awarded. Doc

Ron, I've attached the bibliography for my manuscript. You will see all of my sources including those I either spoke with or e-mailed. Doc Campaign_Medals_Bibliography.txt

Ed, I already have the Mongolian bug, Japanese bug, North Korean bug, Soviet & Polish bug, British and Indian Army bug (Thanks to you!!!LOL) and whatever bugs I can't remember. What's one more bug?!! Doc

Jim, All research by me including a talk with Paul McDaniel reveals that they were not fantasy pieces or released until 1990's. As far as I know and based on my own research they were never awarded but retained at the mint until the 1990's. As for the gold wash on Campaign Medals these are Variation 3 medals awarded as a make-up medal for one not awarded when it was due, etc. I hope this helps!! Doc

Thanks Ron!! The Campaign Medals of the USSR is my first "Book soon to be published by OMSA as a Medal Notes. I also have a basic introduction to the Order of the red Star being published in the upcoming November-December issue of the JOMSA. It took me 9 months of research and writing for the campaign medals and me time to write the JOMSA article. Thjis is a new arena for me. Believe me, if I wasn't sure of my work I wouldn't submit it for all to read. Doc

Ron, I would love to hear Andrey's opinion on this subject. However I stand by my research, my OMSA Medal Note to be and my sources. My sources have been my Mentors. They are experts in this field of study as is Andrey. Doc

True, they were not awarded. But the error occurred at the mint and these incorrect medals were released and were quickly aquired by collectors. Doc

Darrell, I'll save you some of your hair. In the 1990's "Many Kievs and a few Belgrades mint errors were released from the mint and gobbled up by collectors". I just reconfirmed that with Paul McDaniel who happens to have these. Doc

Well, everything I found while doing the research for the OMSA Medal Note including some phone calls came to one conclusion...These were genuine mint errors and not fantasy pieces. Doc

Darrell, I just sent my manuscript about Soviet Campaign Medals to OMSA for publishing. The medal for the Defense of Kiev has a third version which is the mint error on the reverse. Instead of saying"For Our Soviet Fatherland it has a date.The Medal for the Liberation of Belgrade also has a mint error on the reverse. I'll dig up the pics Doc