Eric Gaumann

The one thing that stood out, to me, when I had this in hand are the tool marks(?) that I've pointed out in the image below. They're most obvious in the two spots with the '>' but are discernible in all 5 spots. I'm guessing these are parts of the manufacturing process.

After a long layoff from collecting anything I've finally restarted my engine. Here's my first PS3. I went back and forth whether to get Ikom or Mondvor but the price was so good I decided Ikom. You guys see anything wrong?

Hi Nick/Mikulas! I saw that image from the ForumFaleristika thread about VDNKh/BCXB. We have both posted there at different times. In my opinion the suspension and blue ribbon is from another award, possibly a gold-grade 1959-65 award. But the screw base looks odd/different and I'd put that down to there being so many slight variations. A comparison image if you want to use it.

Here's an interesting image I found on ebay. Looks like it's the central portion of a 3rd Class, T1 Order.

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I've only 2 OPW2 but am planning on getting a OPW1 in the distant future (hoping gold prices continue to drop.)

For those wondering "фуфло" translates to 'garbage'.

I'm not an expert but I don't see anything that stands out as being bad here.

First, thanks so much for your help in increasing my knowledge about these! Concerning the quote above regarding lacquer use and my questions that prompted the reply; I just noticed on the first page of this post a silver hallmarked award that exhibits the 'splotchy' patina that I attribute to lacquer. It may not even be lacquer; there are many reasons patina develops in less uniform ways.

Many thanks for that information. I was under the assumption that tombak was lighter, I guess that's not the case. What do you think about that idea of silver-plated tombak? Have you ever heard that? It might explain the patina on your and my examples. I also get the sense that the other, more obvious tombak examples (that have that shiny chrome look), have some sort of clear lacquer applied to them. Agree?

Thank you, Paja! It looks like a Type 1. Do the two metals have a different weight? Can you give weights for silver and tombak in 3rd Class, please? On closer inspection it looks more like T2. So more than likely tombak? It does have that nice patina though. I want to believe.

Are the 3rd class versions, without any hallmarks, always tombak (aka red brass)? I'm looking at an example right now that exhibits a classic silver patina, not the shiny 'chrome' nor the splotchy finish that is typical with tombak. I see no hallmarks and the seller claims "silver" but I'm not sure.

"Military Space Program Qualification badge, 2nd cl, 1989-1991." (From collectrussiadotcom) Should have the late-era LMD mintmark on the lower reverse.

Yeah, the number's a bit wonky, but that could be for numerous reasons. OP, you've seen this page? http://mondvor.narod.ru/ORBan2.htm

Super post, thanks! I especially like the part about the boats.

Gentlemen, Any and all comment appreciated concerning this ZOVO. The serial number puts it around 1915, correct? Any chance of a name?

Enjoy Elysium, Rick, where medal bars grow on trees and passed pets and friends wait. You are missed, here, and will not be forgotten soon. My thanks for your help on this plain.

The fourth one is the best! Harder to find (at least for me). That, and the basic badge without the hole at the bottom. They are the bit more rare, post-war para badges.

In the first photo, Zabaluyev's, what are the ribbons on his two CSMs? They look like German EK2 ribbons?!?!?!?!? Slava, is that photo dated perchance?

My apologies if I've offended anyone, it was NOT my intention. I was just a bit frustrated, not that that's a valid excuse.

I've thought about doing the same; nursing a broken award back to life.

Because; A) That's what forums are for and B) I don't like to bother people privately.

That's all you got, pointing out the obvious? I just dropped a week's pay on this and all I want....man, where are Paul, Alexei and Marc when you need them???

Weight 16.99g +/- .01 Ring unsoldered Unfaded ribbon underneath upper ribbon on obverse seems to have a good deal of gold wash remaining. strange yellowing to ribbon on lower reverse not exhibited elsewhere