Riley1965

I just received the Service card and file papers for the South African Native NGOZWANA MOTIKITIKI Service # N77620. I have his 1939-1945 Star. He also earned The Italy Star, 1939-1945 War Medal and the Africa Service Medal.He entered Service on 22-2-43. He served first in the S.A.A.F. in the 227 Squadron.on 12/8/44 the 227 was redesignated 19 Sqadron.It appears that this young man spent 28 days in detention in 12/2/45. Campaigns include C.M.F., M.E.F., Union. From the documents he was with aircraft maintenance including a Bomber Maintenance unit. There's more but I have to translate the scribble. A doctor must have filled out his service record. Doc

I have a WWII era M1943(?) tunic. It is in relatively good condition. The sleeves are wrinkled from shipping, etc. Is it safe to iron it? Also for dust problems do I just vacuum it? Doc

Andrey, So OPWs 1st Class in the 70xxx serial number should have this straight straight mintmark? Doc

Chris, I don't know much about aviation badges. However, I just love them!!! This one is very interesting Doc

Dave, Thank you for the information. I've already sent the information to be researched. I'll let you know what I find. Doc

Gerd or Rick Is it possible that my Order for Service to the Motherland s/n 70572 1985 award would be for service in Afghanistan? Doc

Pete, Thank You for the Information!!! All the Best, Doc

Rick, I've already e-mailed the necessary information on my "Crab" s/n 70572. I will post info when I get it. Doc

Rick, Were you referring to what possibly might be a 1985 issue s/n 70572 Doc

Dolf, Serving in combat was not necessary to receive it. Doc

Dolf, It also says that it can be awarded...For Bravery and self-sacrifice displayed in executing military duties.l Overall, It is awarded for High levels of service, merit and bravery. Doc

Gerd, I forgot to thank you for the approximent date for my "Crab". THANK YOU!!! Doc

Gerd, That's the best advice I've heard. Although I have just received and am reading Paul's new book I can see how it will be of GREAT assistance. Doc

Thank You Stefan!!! I apreciate your assistance. Best, Doc

Gerd, Thank you!!! I've just e-mailed the information I'll let you know what I find out. Thank You for the information regarding the time of award. Again, Thank You my friend!!! Doc

Dolf, You are SOOOOO right. I would love to add another and a 2nd Class(Dreaming). Doc

Dolf, Here's mine...No rays . But I still love it. It was one of the first Orders in my collection. Doc

Dolf, Definately an interesting detail. It looks like four rays. I'm going to have a look at mine. Doc

Stefan, Thank you for your post. It was nice to see the 1939-1945 medal on a mount. However, The question 'How are these worn' is referring to the Badge of the Finnish War Veteran's Union, 1939-1944. If you happen to know how it was worn PLEASE let us know. Doc

Ed, No, it's not a new addiction. I'm sticking with Soviet, Polish, British/Indian army medals. These just caught my eye I just never posted them. They were lost in one of my 4 inch thick notebooks full of ODMs. Best, Doc

This is just my opinion but I have a couple of problems with your Spanish Cross for Next of Kin. First, I don't like the very sloppy job of soldering the eagles (Blue arrows)Swastikas should have two arms open (See second photo red arrows). Doc

Thanks Dave!!! Now I know. I'll be sure to look for this when I buy my next ORB. Again, Thank You!!! Doc

Dave & Andrey, I have never really looked at a ORB Mirror reverse. I look at the picture in this thread and I am wondering what shadow? Are you referring to the obverse or reverse? On the obverse I see a little bit of sloppy white enamel. What would I have to look for to avoid buying a fake? Doc

Andrei, Thanks for the infotmation regarding fakes. Also, I need to add you to my list of respected experts in this field of study. I had no idea until a member educated me. Doc

MONDVOR, I was referring to the Order of the Badge of Honor screwbacks. I had to take a look at them and couldn't find them in this thread. As far as the ones you posted as examples I can see where the Mint mark and rivets might set off alarms. But, I am no expert like Alexie, Paul McDaniel, Paul Schmitt, Ed Haynes etc. All I can do is offer my opinion with the knowledge gained from many years of collecting Soviet ODMs. Doc