Bob

Not sure if I posted pics of this item before, but I bought this a few years ago: an Order of Red Star incorporated into a small little silver pill box! I guess I could go to a jeweller and have it removed so I can look at the serial number (for research) before having it popped back in again. Anybody else with such interesting uses of Soviet awards?

Thought I had placed an insanely high and surely winning bid for a miniature group (incl. Tamara) on zeige... turns out somebody else was more insane... 3x more in fact! 1.100 Euro What a lovely Tamara...

Sodnomdarjaa (photo taken in 1959) with all his awards. The resolution of the photo is very good. When zoomed (at least, in the version I have which is too much MB to post here), you can see the letters “R.S.F.S.R” on his Red Banner. Visible is also the enamel damage to the Red Banner which is in line with the Red Banner in my hands. By the way, the group photo shown earlier is from circa 1933, with Demberel, Demid, Choibalsan and Sodnomdarjaa. More to come in due course (fingers crossed)...

Sodnomdarjaa (photo taken in 1935) with the first deputy Commander of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army 1st Commissar O. Dashchirav

Achieved a BREAKTHROUGH thanks to the efforts of a fellow enthousiast of Mongolian history. And now the reason for the Red Banner being awarded is confirmed! More to ccome... "Sodnomdarjaa Damdiny was born 1895 in Dornod province (Easternmost province) of Mongolia. Bereaved of his parents at the age of 9, Sodnomdarjaa had to work for wealthier families to survive. At the age of 17, he was drafted to a military service as a conscript of the recently formed Bogdkhaan’s national army. In 1913, Sodnomdarjaa was selected to a junior officer’s course in Urga (the capital, now known as Ulaanbaatar) where he got acquainted with D. Sukhbaatar. He finished the course in 1914 and until 1920, Sodnomdarjaa stayed in eastern Mongolia fighting the Bavuujav Count’s forces that robbed the households in eastern Mongolia. In 1921, Sodnomdarjaa, on Sukhbaatar’s recommendation, joined the People’s Army and was commissioned as the assistant to Minister of Western Mongolia Count Gombo-Idshin. He served in Khovd city in Western Mongolia for several years fighting the remains of the Russian White Guard units. Sodnomdarjaa personally apprehended two White Guard officers in August of 1922. One of the apprehended officers was the Commander of the White Guard regiment. For his personal courage and valor in fighting the Russian White Guard, Sodnomdarjaa was awarded the Order of Red Banner of RSFSR on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Mongolian People’s Revolution in 1931. In January 1923, Sodnomdarjaa also took part in the special operation to liquidate the leader of the nationalistic group and counter-revolutionary Da Lam Dambii Jantsan. This operation was one of the first special operations of the Mongolian State Security. The decision to involve Sodnomdarjaa in this special operation indicates the trust of the Mongolian revolutionary high-command in his abilities and bravery. In 1970s, a special movie “In the Lair” was filmed by the Communist Government depicting the operation. Although Sodnomdarjaa did not personally shoot the Da Lam Dambii Jantsan, he personally took part in the operation planning and subsequent execution. From 1935-1940, Sodmodarjaa headed the trade organization in Ereentsav, Dornod province. While working in Dornod province, he was actively involved in the work to defend the border of the Mongolian People’s Republic. In one of the cases, Sodnomdarjaa helped the border guards to apprehend a group of Japanese and Chinese-Mongolian infiltrators in 1938. On May 27, 1945, Sodnomdarjaa was commissioned to set up and head the wood craft workshop in Bayan-Uul county of Dornod aimag. He started the workshop with 13 conscripts and two tents. Just in eight years, in 1953, the workshop expanded into a factory with a small town named Ereen. The factory was renowned for its high-quality products, especially the wooden carts. The factory was named after Sodnomdarjaa by the decree #50 of the Presidium of the State Small Khural in 1958. Later, after his death, a statue of Sodnomdarjaa was erected in Ereen village. D. Sodnomdarjaa was elected as the member of the Presidium of the State Small Khural and later as the member of the People’s Great Khural (Parliament of the MPR) for four terms. A close friend of Sukhbaatar, he also worked as the Chief of the village, accountant, librarian and the director of the factory at different periods of his life. Sodnomdarjaa married in 1933 and had nine children. He died in 1961. It is known that a prototype of Sodnomdarjaa is the main subject in the novel “Red Sun” written by S. Dashdendev. The novel was one of the works to be studied by the high school students on mandatory basis from 1965-1980.""

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=36164&st=60 Follow above thread in the Soviet section for some exciting developments!

This is a very pleasant surprise! It's like Xmas coming early! Now, how do i get a copy?

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2010/post-679-128388162111.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2010/post-679-128388163063.jpg Number 12... probably unawarded. Gives some support to idea that 10 or so were made/awarded.

It looks, and apparently is, unawarded. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2010/post-679-128388156164.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2010/post-679-128388156969.jpg

Here's an interesting item circulating through key dealer/collectors via email... incl. pic of a number on reverse! http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2010/post-679-128388149077.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2010/post-679-128388149803.jpg

Thanks to Elvis, now have translations for the documents in this last group (unfortunately, while it is fun to read the typical socialist kind of language, it doesn't give much real detail on what the guy did): 1) Comrade Kico Kotani On the 27th anniversary of founding of Border Arms we thank you for: Trying hard in political and military training of yourself and your unit, you have reached high results at work, by being an example in strengthening the discipline and military alertness in guarding and defending the holy borders of our socialist fatherland, from enemies of all colors (type) 2) C. Kico Kotani is awarded Medal for Bravery with this motivation: A brave Warrior, has been an example of resistance and self sacrifice at war against the invaders and traitors for the liberation of Fatherland and Albanian People Presidium of Peoples Assembly of Peoples REpublic of Albania Note: it certainly sounds like Kotani was not a "stuck in the rear doing paperwork" kind of soldier! 3) C. Kico Kotani is awarded Medal of Liberation with this motivation: Has been part of Albanian National Liberation Army and with weapon in hand has fought against the invaders and traitors until complete liberation of Fatherland and Albanian People. 4) Certificate C. Kico Kotani: On the 10th anniversary of creation of Albanian Peoples Army (10th July 1943 - 10th of july 1953) based on Decree of Peoples Assembly Presidium on 30th of May 1953 is awarded with medal "10th Anniversary of the Armed Forces" on the 10th of July 1953 is still in service of Albanian Armed Forces. 5) Peoples Republic of Albania Presidium of Peoples Assembly of Albanian Peoples Republic Awards C. Kico Kotani with Order Red Star of Second Class For honest and untiring work during 10 years of service in Peoples Army 6) Peoples Republic of Albania Presidium of Peoples Assembly of Albanian Peoples Republic Awards C. Kico Kotani with Order of Scanderbeg of Third Class For honest and untiring work during 15 years of service among Armed Forces of Albanian Peoples Republic 7) Peoples Republic of Albania Presidium of Peoples Assembly of Albanian Peoples Republic Awards C. Kico Kotani with Order of Military Service of Third Class For honest and untiring work during 20 years of service among Armed Forces of Albanian Peoples Republic 8) Albanian Peoples Republic Ministry of Internal Affairs Department of Internal Affairs - Tropoje (a place in Northern Albania, I visited this a year or two ago) Praise Award Comrade Kico Kotani Party Committee and Department Staff express gratitude because: During exercise with units of Department of Internal affairs you have been distinguished in leading military operations and completing tasks successfully in all given scenarios. You have been disciplined and untiring by surpassing all difficulties during exercise. 9) Peoples Republic of Albania Presidium of Peoples Assembly of Albanian Peoples Republic Awards C. Kico Kotani with Order of Military Service of Second Class For high honesty at work, for well organizing and leading of appointed tasks and for developing political military training, thus by contributing in defending and strengthening Albanian Peoples Republic. 10) Albanian Peoples Republic Ministry of Internal Affairs Department of Internal Affairs - Tropoje Praise Award Comrade Kico Kotani Party Committee and Department Staff gives you this Praise Award for discipline and completing over two norms (the amount of work requested) during the concentrated actions organized from Party Committee of the region in honor of completion of work of 10th Plenum of Central Committee of Albanian Labor Party. 11) Albanian Peoples Republic Ministry of Internal Affairs Department of Internal Affairs - Tropoje Certificate Comrade Kico Kotani Is awarded the TITLE EXEMPLARY WORKER Kuader (used for people working for military and administration) with this motivation: Exemplary worker for defending with diligence and bravery the victories of building socialism and for excellent results in military political and professional training, for high discipline and well defending the state and peoples assets. 12) During the first half year 1977 has been distinguished in learning very well the lessons of the 7th Congress of Albanian Labor Party, in defending the state assets and securing the convicts, has been diligent, ready and disciplined in given tasks. 13) Giving the badge Exemplary Officer Officer Kico kotani is distinguished in fulfilling tasks given by Party, in ideo political and military professional training, he has a pure moral figure, has good behavior with colleagues, he fights with perseverance for well administration of military assets and has developed the saving concept. 14) Praise Award C. Kico Kotani Distinguished for untiring deeds and work in successful completion of electoral campaign of 27th April 1986 elections 15) Republic of Albania Council of Ministers Certificate Awarded to Kico Kotani medal for excellent contribution in Liberation of Fatherland 16) Albanian Peoples Republic Ministry of Internal Affairs Department of Internal Affairs Tropoje (These departments were main means of oppression)

Artan - thanks for this fascinating additional details. And also wonderful to see yet another "new badge - look forward to your third book on Albanian badges:)

Thank you Artan - here better scans - exterior and interior.

7-7-1978 - unkown document 6-5-1986 - unkown document for Flete Nderi 16-6-1977 - unkown document for Flete Lavderimi Not all scans came out OK, will request an Albanian friend via mail with larger scans to gradually translate.

14-7-1972 - Certificate for title "Kuader Shembullor" (nr order: 1094) Very curious to know what this is for! 24-4-1972 - unkown document for Flete Lavderimi 29-?-2004 - document (with table medal) for 60 years liberation?

4-11-1968 - unkown document for Flete Lavderimi

6-11-1969 - Dekoron, dekret 4535 - Urdherin e Sherbimit Ushterak 2nd class 5-2-1953 - Certificate nr 14788 - Medaljen e Trimerise 5-2-1953 - Certificate nr 35836 - Medaljen e Clirimit 30-6-1970 - unkown document for Flet-Lavderimi

10-?-1953 - Certificate nr 2 (!!!) - Medal 10 Vjetori i Ushtrire Poor scan, sorry 21-6-1954 - Dekoron, dekret 1888 - Urdherin Ylli i Kuq 2nd class 13-7-1959 - Dekoron, dekret 2939 - Urdherin e Skenderbeut 3rd class 1-7-1965 - Dekoron, dekret 4025 - Urdherin e Sherbimit Ushterak 3rd class

And now for a rather large documented group... belonging to a Kico Kotani, a person that participated in WWII and later on part of the Albanian Armed Forces. The group ranges from 1953 to 2004 (!!!) and has more documents than medals so perhaps can "complete" it myself. First up, some kind of academic paper with what appears to be some aspects deliberately cut out. Elvis, perhaps you can shed a light on this? Will be posting scans of all the documents at a later stage. Hopefully some forum friends can help translate so we get a picture of what Mr Kotani actually did: 5-2-1953 - Certificate nr 14788 - Medaljen e Trimerise 5-2-1953 - Certificate nr 35836 - Medaljen e Clirimit 10-?-1953 - Certificate nr 2 (!!!) - Medal 10 Vjetori i Ushtrire 21-6-1954 - Dekoron, dekret 1888 - Urdherin Ylli i Kuq 2nd class 13-7-1959 - Dekoron, dekret 2939 - Urdherin e Skenderbeut 3rd class 1-7-1965 - Dekoron, dekret 4025 - Urdherin e Sherbimit Ushterak 3rd class 4-11-1968 - unkown document for Flete Lavderimi 6-11-1969 - Dekoron, dekret 4535 - Urdherin e Sherbimit Ushterak 2nd class 30-6-1970 - unkown document for Flet-Lavderimi 24-4-1972 - unkown document for Flete Lavderimi 14-7-1972 - Certificate for title "Kuader Shembullor" (nr order: 1094) 16-6-1977 - unkown document for Flete Lavderimi 7-7-1978 - unkown document 16-10-1981 - Order 40 Vjetori i ppsh 6-5-1986 - unkown document for Flete Nderi 29-?-2004 - document (with table medal) for 60 years liberation? More pics (lots!) later