Bob

Here's a pic I found online - let's see what response comes from the experts on this one

There was one sold over at emedals.com a year or two ago for 1100 USD - wrong ribbon

http://www.emedals.com/collectors-gallery/europe/albania/order-of-bravery-1928

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

Should be--the top of that one's hat-thingum looks FLAT rather than pointy, but that could just be because it is not as nice as my Epson 2400 makes scans:

Georgian_Tamara_3rd_Class_obv_720dpi_ns_PAINT_for_KBs.jpg

Meybauer either beat out the competition from Küst (the original "Legion" badge maker) and Sedlatzek, or his prices were better. Or maybe he was just "thar fustest with the mostest" when the mass of 1919 returnees got home and wanted a batch-- and NOBODY knew what the things were SUPPOSED to look like!

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

I wonder how the tumbling ruble is going to affect Russian buyers this time around? I know most of the "deep pockets" are well situated with dollars and Euros, but for an average Russian buyer, times might be tough...

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

Thanks, Paul. I just checked today and the catalog is indeed available.

Would be interesting to hear commentary from those following the auction. My impression: it seems that half the lots, including the most substantial ones, are re-runs from last year with a note that a buyer from Kiev failed to pay. Extremely strange. The rest of the material seems unimpressive compared to previous years.

Thoughts?

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 he is an optimist...

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!

Below the translation of the bio of Rentsengiin Minjuur from the Blue book (Minjuur was awarded SB 693). A great bio of a great man. Minjuur used to be a well-known guy in Mongolia and apparently he studied in the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War as a part of secret group. More info on that later hopefully.

Unfortunately I only have his single award doc. Note, the SB award doc is highly likely the one which relates to an SB awarding linked to him also getting a Hero of Labour Soyombo award.

=============================================

151.93 Rensengiin Minjuur (born in 1914). A native of Tariat county of Arhangai province. He was bestowed the title of Hero of Labor of the Mongolian People’s Republic in his capacity as the Chairman of an agricultural farm of Ih Tamir county of Arhangai province on December 18, 1969 (Decree number 267).

Comrade Minjuur has graduated from the 1.5 year course of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and later the Party Leadership College. After returning from the military service, he started his work as the mailman responsible for 13 northern counties of Arhangai province. Minjuur later became the secretary of the Party cells of Murun and Undur-Ulaan counties respectively. He was also mobilized to work as the representative (officer) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Ministry’s Division based in Arhangai province. For many years, Minjuur worked as the Chairman of agricultural farms of Ih Tamir and Murun counties and as the Director of “Tungalag Tamir” cooperative. Closer to his retirement, he worked as an advisor at the Supreme Council of the Union of Agricultural Farms and after his retirement he worked as an advisor of the “Mongol Amecal” LLC. During his 18 years of work as the Chairman of the “Gerelt Zam” agricultural farm of Ih Tamir county, he organized a dairy product factory with the annual output of more than 120 tones of dairy products, the annual sales of 1.2 million Mongolian Tugrugs and the annual profit of 400.000 Mongolian Tugrugs. Comrade Minjuur exerted efforts to diversify the agricultural farm production and paid special attention to create comfortable working conditions for his farmers. He was one of the most productive managers and the best organizers of the agricultural farming of the Mongolian People’s Republic. During the last decade, Rensengiin Minjuur has been devoting himself to the cause of helping the herders of his native county to adjust to the new realities of the market economy. He helped the herders to form two cooperatives that are successfully functioning to these days.

Comrade Minjuur has been elected as the Deputy of the People’s Great Khural and elected as the representative to the MPRP and Farmers’ Conferences. He was awarded the Order of Sukhbaatar, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor and many other awards.

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

More on Lt. Colonel Sharavjamts Shadavtsoodol:

Sharavjamts Shadavtsoodol was born in Tugrug village of Uvurkhangai province on March 1, 1921.

In 1939: Private of Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army.

1939-1940: Weapons maintenance course at the Artillery intermediate school in Tambov town, the Soviet Union.

1940-1943: Weapons repair officer at the Motorized brigade of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army.

1943-1945: Studied at Artillery intermediate school in Tambov town, the Soviet Union.

1945-1948: Commander of the Artillery repair workshop at the Motorized brigade of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army.

1948-1956: Commander of the Artillery repair workshop at the Tank regiment of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army.

1956-1957: Commander of Artillery repair workshop of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army.

1957-1958: Commander of the platoon of the motorized rifle battalion #1 (In 1957, the Army was reformed and thousands of the officers were transferred to civil organizations)

1958-1961: Shooting trainer at Voluntary Society to assist the People’s Army (Mongolian DOSAAF).

1961-1964: Senior shooting trainer at Voluntary Society to assist the People’s Army (Mongolian DOSAAF).

1964-1973: Trainer in shooting at the General Military School.

1973: Discharged from the active military service.

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

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.

Here are a couple of others:

http://www.enverhoxha.info/

This site is a pro-Enver site and probably aligned with the PKSh, so you will have to filter out the editorial commentary if you're so inclined. That said, this site does have some good pictures and, more importantly, period newsreels from Albania. Some are in English, while a few, especially the funeral ones, are in Albanian without subtitles. When was the last time you saw an Albanian newsreel?

http://www.qpz.gov.al/kerkime.jsp

The Albanian State Archives site, this is entirely in Albanian so you'll have to know at least a few words of Shqip to navigate around and get any meaningful benefit out of it. However, several of the laws and decrees concerning orders and decorations from the RPSh/RPSSh era are retrievable from the site.

http://www.argjiro.net/fjalor/

This is an online English-Albanian/Albanian-English dictionary. It's very useful for getting many words quickly, however, you'll still probably need to get the Oxford Albanian-English dictionary for more thorough coverage.

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 60^th 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 50^th 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 70^th 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)