Bob

Thanks - appreciate the additional detail. This was the one item (to my surprise) which I was still able to putting a winning bid on. Rrumbullaku - what source is that? It sounds like I may have missed a book!

Finally got this - beautiful medal, Order for Bravery, intricate design incl. a hinge. What's interesting is also - and I didn't notice this until I looked at the picture - the signature on the front of the medal right below the chin of Zog. It appears to be the name of the designer of the medal? "P. Turin 14" is my guess - apparently Pierre Turin, a French artist well known for making bronze medals http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2014/post-679-0-49294600-1419617017.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2014/post-679-0-25271000-1419617024.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2014/post-679-0-77792900-1419617027.jpg

Speaking of Sedlatzek, here's a Tamara that I just received. Has a marking on the pin on the reverse: "Friedr. Sedlatzek Berlin" It also came with a piece of ribbon (finally I got some Tamara ribbon) http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2014/post-679-0-94273100-1419615235.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2014/post-679-0-01241800-1419615242.jpg

There are new rich buyers entering the market... non-Russian.

I wasn't sure how to interpret that note: a buyer from Kiev didn't pay (odd to mention that or intended to clarify that it's not due to questions on authenticity?) or that the original owner was from Kiev and several buyers didn't pay. The overall orders/medals part was 'light' compared to prior years is my impression. One group caught my eye is one I'd really like to have AND could afford... but I placed a (undoubtedly too low) bid on a single that I'd love to have.

Yep, saw that one too There are forces at play nowadays though which remind me of a certain moment in Soviet collecting...

Well... http://collectrussia.com/DISPITEM.HTM?ITEM=29603 50th Anniversary of the Special Departments of Mongolian State Security, award badge, 1972. In brass, silver plating and enamels. Measures 44.5 mm in overall height, the shield portion is 37.2 mm tall x 25.5 mm wide. Riveted two-piece construction. A very well made and substantial piece. In excellent condition. The enamels and silver finish are perfect. The rivets are tight. The reverse is pristine, with attractive toning to the brass. The screw post is full length, approx. 10 mm, and includes original screw plate. This is an award to one of the active duty officers or veterans of the infamous Special Departments of Mongolian State Security (UAKhB). Just like their Soviet KGB counterpart, Mongolian Special Departments were a highly secretive branch imbedded in the regular military units to serve essentially as a "watchdog". Due to the relatively small size of the Mongolian armed forces, their Special Departments apparently numbered very few members. The badge is extremely rare. /A. Battushig, "Mongolian Orders, Medals & Badges", page 85 fig. D 08 (note, there is a typo in the book and the badge is mistakenly marked as "C 08")/ $950.00

Indeed, nice to see new people joining the Mongolian orders/medals collecting world.

Just saw this on collectrussia.com - 4.400 USD for a pinback SB... ouch! ================ Order of Sukhbaatar, Type 2 (pin back), #861, 1971 issue. Solid 23 K gold, platinum, silver and enamels. Measures 52.4 mm in height, 50.2 mm in width; weighs 58.6 grams. Gold star superimposed on a sunburst of blue enamel, with gray circle in the center and superimposed platinum bust of Sukhbaatar (aka Sukhe-Bator), Mongolian revolutionary leader; above the portrait is the red flag with Sukhbaatar's name in Cyrillic. Engraved serial number 861 to the reverse. Note the number is very low for a pin back type, this specimen is among the first awarded when the pin back version appeared in 1971 (its serial number range starts from 801; unlike Soviet decorations, Orders of Sukhbaatar were issued in strict sequence by the award serial number). Very fine condition. There is a single shallow surface chip to the red banner at its upper edge, not penetrating to gold and neither immediately noticeable nor very detractive. The red enamel has only a few tiny contact marks elsewhere, no substantial wear or buffing, and generally nicely preserved. The blue enamel on the starburst likewise has a few tiny contact marks and flakes but appears essentially perfect to the unaided eye. The grey enamel on the center medallion has a couple of tiny scratches only. The enamels everywhere fully retain original luster and beautiful overall appearance. The gold star has light wear and some dings, mostly to the upper arm and lower edges. The tips of the star nicely defined, without bumps. The platinum bas-relief has minor surface wear only, its details are very well defined and crisp. The Order of Sukhbaarar was the highest decoration of Mongolian People's Republic, equivalent of the Soviet Order of Lenin. Unlike the Lenin however, the Shukhbaatar was issued in very small numbers. Based on currently available research data, no more than 1300 of the Type 2 pin backs in gold and platinum were ever produced.

Not yet - they're being shipped to country A while I am in country B. Should get my hands on it around Christmas time - very fitting:) I'll post once I've got them.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-679-0-57450600-1415586907.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-679-0-66434300-1415586929.jpg Here's a tiny (smaller than a finger nail) miniature I just received - 1940-44 Skanderbeg Grand Cross Breast Star. The reverse is nicer than one would expect on such a small one with clear makers inscription.

Heads up: profile name "boysodo" may be trying to sell the same ribbon bars... I suspect it's the same jerk again Just looked up bazoknowsdeals profile and his feedback to others on eBay is often very similarly phrased as the new profile, there's a few other subtle ways to identify him as well... I'd suggest to stay clear from boysodo, I'm 99.99% certain he's the fraud again

Unfortunately nothing

https://www.kuenker.de/en/auktionen/stuecke/253-257?suchbegriff=albanie&x=12&y=12 Some real beauties in the recent Kuenker auction. Wish I'd bid higher for the small miniature chain. Still managed to get one nice Albanian item and something else which is special. Pics upon receipt!

Here a picture of Minjuur (on the right) with one of the best camel herders of the Gobi desert on the left

and decree on awarding colonel Shadavtsoodol with the Order of Red Banner of Combat Valor: DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC August 28, 1967. # 121, Ulaanbaatar On awarding the generals, officers and non-commissioned officers of the Mongolian People’s Army with Orders and Medals. The Presidium of the People’s Great Khural decrees: Based on the Decree # 127 issued in 1965 by the Presidium of People’s Great Khural, to award the following generals, officers, non-commissioned officers with the orders and medals of the Mongolian People’s Army for years of outstanding service. The Order of Sukhbaatar 1. Navaan Baasan Chief of Intelligence Department of the People’s Military Ministry, Colonel 2. Bat Namhai Chief of the Armored Vehicle Division of the same ministry, Colonel 3. Sanduijav Choijil Chief of the Central Military Hospital, Colonel 4. Morhuu Janchivdorj Chief of the Anti-Infectious disease division of the same hospital, Colonel 5. Maam Gombosuren Chief of the Military Division of Arhangai province, Colonel 6. Luvsantseren Jambal Aviation technician of Khuvsgul province airport, Major 7. Batjargal Bat-Ochir First pilot of the air squad # 2, Central airport, Lt. Colonel The Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor 1. Luvsan Jamgan First Deputy of the Chief of General Staff and Chief of Operations Division, Colonel 2. Osor Serdar Chief of the Artillery Division of the same ministry, Colonel 3. Naidan Luvsansharav Deputy Chief of the Division #9 of the same ministry 4. Dashi Sharav Weapons Inspector of the Inspection Division of the same ministry 5. Bodi Lhamsuren Senior Officer of the Rear and supply Division, Lt. Colonel 6. Batjargal Dashi Deputy Chief of the “Aldar” Military sport club, Lt. Colonel 7. Dondov Dashi Chief of the Horse training center, Lt. Colonel 8. Butach Gendenpil Deputy Chief in charge of the rear and supply, Central Military University, Lt. Colonel 9. Sharavjamts Shadavtsoodol Weapons trainer of the same University, Lt. Colonel

A very interesting photograph now. Taken in 1952, during Choibalsan's funeral ceremony in UB. Right to left on the front row: - Member of Politburo Damba - Tsedenbal - Widow of Choibalsan - Choibalsans son and daughter (probably a book can be written about them too... I wonder where they are now) - Chairman Bumtsend - Party Secretary Surenjav - and Sodnomdarjaa!

MG S. Baldan and Lt. General Lhagvasuren. Probably taken in 1946 or 1947.

http://qbz.gov.al:81/index.html Updated link, but how to use it?

http://qbz.gov.al:81/index.html This link was posted on the soviet-awards forum as a site where research on Albanian award recipients would be possible. Any Albanians here who can give some advice/direction?

And his 1976 SB... another birthday present! Wish I got such presents! =============================== DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC January 9, 1976. # 5, Ulaanbaatar On awarding Jambyn Jamyan with the Order of Sukhbaatar The Presidium of the People’s Great Khural decrees: On the occasion of his 60th birthday, the Presidium awards the Order of Sukhbaatar to the Chairman of Central Council of Defense Auxiliary Society of the Mongolian People’s Republic Jambyn Jamyan for his productive and active work at the government organizations. Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Yu. Tsedenbal (Signed) Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Dugersuren (Signed) First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR S. Luvsan (Signed) Secretary of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Gotov (Signed)

1966 SB - his 50th birthday present! ================ DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC January 10, 1966. # 1, Ulaanbaatar On awarding Jambyn Jamyan with the Order of Sukhbaatar The Presidium of the People’s Great Khural decrees: On the occasion of the 50th birthday, the Presidium awards the Order of Sukhbaatar to the First Deputy Chairman of Party Inspection and Control Committee under the Central Committee of MPRP, Chairman of the Inspection and Control Commission of Council of Ministers of the Mongolian People’s Republic Jambyn Jamyan for his productive and active work at the Party and government organizations. Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR J. Sambuu (Signed) Secretary of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Gotov (Signed)

ORBL 1986 - his 70th birthday present ================ DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC January 9, 1986. # 3, Ulaanbaatar On awarding Jambyn Jamyan with the Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor The Presidium of the People’s Great Khural decrees: On the occasion of his 70th birthday, the Presidium awards the Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor to the Chairman of Committee of the Veterans of Revolution and War under the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic Jambyn Jamyan for his productive and active work at the government organizations. Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Yu. Tsedenbal (Signed) Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Jagvaral (Signed) First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR S. Luvsan (Signed) Secretary of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Gotov (Signed)

ORBL from 1974 ============= DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC February 7, 1974. # 37, Ulaanbaatar On awarding the orders and medals to some individuals for their work for the Harvesting Commission The Presidium of the People’s Great Khural decrees: The Presidium awards the Orders and Medals to the following people for their years of productive and active work in organizing the nationwide harvesting campaigns: The Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor 1. Jamba Jamyan Chief of State Board of Civil Defense and Chairman of State Harvesting Commission The Order of the Polar Star 1. Zagd Ayush Commander of military unit # 026 of the Mongolian People’s Army 2. Bat Balgansuren Inspector of the People’s Inspection and Control Committee of the MPR 3. Tudev Baasan Inspector of the same Committee 4. Gombo Dambasuren Inspector of the same Committee 5. Dashi Guntevsuren Expert of the Presidium of People’s Great Khural 6. Arildii Gonchigjamts Secretary of the Central Council of Mongolian Trade Unions and Chairman of the Central Committee of Trade Union of Agricultural workers Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR S. Luvsan (Signed) Secretary of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Gotov (Signed)

Here his 1961 ORBL - he is accompanied by very senior officials ============== DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC September 30, 1961. # 259, Ulaanbaatar On awarding some Party and Government leaders with the orders The Presidium of the People’s Great Khural decrees: The Presidium awards the Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor to the following people for their productive and active work at the Party and government organizations. 1. Danzan Gonchig Minister of Construction and Construction Material Production 2. Mangaljav Jamsran Minister of Education 3. Purev Khorloo First Vice-Minister of Education 4. Magsar Chimiddorj Minister of Transportation and Communications 5. Badamdari Dugersuren Minister of Finance 6. Jamba Jamyan Chairman of State Inspection and Control Commission Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR J. Sambuu (Signed) Secretary of the Presidium of the People’s Great Khural of the MPR Ts. Gotov (Signed)