paja

are there Soviet type needle variants with smooth back side without I, СТЕПЕНИ and number?

Something like this one: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/15023-yugoslavian-partisan-stars/?p=212789

I also have some issues with this order.

-First there's the regular Soviet type, 18 karat gold, Roman numeral "I" inscription "СТЕПЕНИ" and number of the order are on the back side. Screw nut is larger and has no inscription on it (although I read somewhere that there's authentic piece with screw nut (with inscription) used for lower classes).

-Certain number of these orders were converted by IKOM, back side screw being replaced with horizontal double needle ( - so they also have "I", "СТЕПЕНИ" and number on the back side).

-Then there's the Yugoslav type made by IKOM, this one's always been a puzzle to me. The only one I've seen so far is different from Soviet type and unlike that one has a smooth surface on the back side which is completely blank. I found an article in which the author claims that this type was first made out of gilded silver, later gilded bronze, and that it had "I" on the back side. I think it's safe to guess that there's also needle variant of that type as well although I've never seen one.

-And finally we come to issue that has been bothering me the most, are there Soviet type needle variants with smooth back side without I, СТЕПЕНИ and number?

Here it is again: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SERBIA-ORDER-OF-THE-CROSS-OF-TAKOVO-1882-1903-SILVER-ENAMEL-BREAST-STAR-MEDAL-/381066115072?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58b94f7800

I suppose 3rd class.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-86505500-1416929203.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-92478900-1416929206.jpg

One more.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-99900600-1416929077.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-61174800-1416929082.jpg

Order of Military Merits 1st type, 2nd class.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-97295600-1416928926.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-34635600-1416928931.jpg

Order of Military Merits 1st type, 1st class.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-77854700-1416928847.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-25899200-1416928849.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-05369900-1416928850.jpg

This guy also had copies of official documents.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-69280600-1416873505.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-13676400-1416873507.jpg

Flat black side.
http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-27169900-1416873305.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-70085100-1416873306.jpg

Same seller different order, this time with booklet as well.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-47813800-1416873243.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-48330200-1416873246.jpg

Here's one more than obvious fake.

Thanks. By the way are there better copies of first class out there? I've heard some stories but never actually saw one.

Unfortunately those decorations are not part of permanent exhibition.

Photos are the best that I could find online, most of them are from last year's exhibition "Royal gifts".

http://www.mij.rs/en/exhibitions/133/royal-gifts.html

Quickly and accurately, as always.

Thanks!

Complete list of his decorations on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_received_by_Josip_Broz_Tito

This one I don't recognize.

Order of the Bath - Grand Cross (United Kingdom)

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-04978600-1416767285.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-42918800-1416767280.jpg

The National Order of Independence - Grand Collar (Cambodia)

The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum - Grand Cordon (Japan)

Tito's decorations.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-88135000-1416766141.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-07755800-1416766146.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-73457200-1416766313.jpg

Military Museum, photos from Wikipedia.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-05454100-1416761001.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-7937-0-03033900-1416761011.jpg

Here it is together with the rest of the decorations instituted in 1943.

At least three of them are made in Yugoslavia not USSR, I am not sure about People's Hero, image is too small (found on wiki).

Prototype? Displayed in Military Museum.

Koča receiving Order of Menelik II from Haile Selassie.

Tito wearing the first type.