JapanX

Typical fake of 1st class Labour glory (doctored 3rd class )

Check out this Bukhara

Hmmm Nobody?! Sergio, indeed quadro on 73 228 looks very promising As for 440 270 ... Saluti, Nick

Good tight hand

Sweet!

I guess x-ray machine is one of the possibilities... Fortunately this super rarity can be recognized without X-ray

Another 3rd cartouche (looks like in this case fake cartouche was added to original order )

Different manufacturer

Another 4th

Fake 4th cartouche

Let`s take a look at some of these fakes Fake 3rd cartouche

If we will be using MonDvor classification, then 3rd cartouche is Type 2 variant 3 on this page http://mondvor.narod.ru/ORBan7.htm and 4th cartouche is Type 2 variant 1 on this page http://mondvor.narod.ru/ORBan8.htm It`s not only the cartouche that makes this or that cartouche piece original (although it is no doubt one of the most important features). Secondary features (like correct (correct for this type of cartouche) mark style, number style, form of torch, etc ... ) also very important.

Maybe this is because they are originals 3rd cartouche was made by Krasnokamsk Mint in the first half of 1945. 4th cartouche was made by the same Krasnokamsk Mint somewhere near the end of 1944. Not really top notch photos, but it could be that red enamel was relaid (on rays of the star and probably on banner) of 3rd cartouche.

That`s a good one Jani! Why your friends think that these are fakes? Any arguments?

You get that right! Hopefully you know that I greatly appreciate your help!

My eyes, my eyes!

Like them too! These serious "don't mess with me" tigers P.S. Let's wait a little bit... I remember the times when collectors of soviets awards bought orders with unusually positioned (or stamped) marks with a premium (sometime quite substantial )

Easy But I tell you one thing guys - there are different officers in Russian army and many (especially combat) officers will never wear on their uniform these ridiculous trinkets ... But then again it must be so tempting to stuff your chest with flashy gongs

Yep, plan A... Well, I believe that all materials in this thread are closely related to this Cassack cross. Actually we now can date every "movement" of this cross in the General bar and see how it looks "in auction".