Hauptmann

Hi Scott, Not a bad limit... but one thing I've learned in this hobby throughout the years... there really is no limit. A collection is a living, breathing entity. It grows, changes and even matures over time. Tastes change as do attitudes. I started out primiarly with TR and really loved and enjoyed it. I didn't limit myself to TR as I wanted to learn alot about everything I could get my hands on. But TR was the main focus. But over time with so many fakes, dishonest dealers and even collectors entering the hobby, not to mention the bad connotations of it all (I've yet to have someone, even conversationally accuse me of being a communist because I collect Soviet stuff.) just all conspired to make it not as much fun anymore. I more of less dropped out of TR many years ago... simply hanging on to what I had. Then over the years keeping the wolves at bay at times necessitated letting pieces go. So over time my TR collection kept growing ever smaller. But I was lucky and after a lifetime of studying Russian and Soviet history and growing up during the Space Race and times when the Soviet Union and it's allies were constantly in the news and such it was hard not to be attracted to that area of militaria. Of course until the wall fell I was pretty much only able to read about such things and watch documentaries. There were a few books which had a couple of uniforms and such here and there but that was about it. But when the wall fell, I tested the waters. Then shortly thereafter I fell into a few large deals which netted me the bulk of all the basic pieces I'd need. So since then I've been adding pieces, more high end of late. I also feel I've matured a great deal as a collector, especially since joing the Club. I'm now much more focused and am seeing things in a new light. This place is probably the equivalent of a university education in militaria... I kid you not! So, what are your other interests in the hobby? Any chance you could be lured to the red side? And thanks again for sharing. I for one am looking forward to seeing more of your posts. Thanks, Dan

Outstanding! Many thanks for sharing these. Hope everyone else is enjoying as much as I am. Many thanks! Dan

"Very" nice pieces... keep em coming! Thanks! Dan

Many, many thanks! On the documented and researched pieces... have wanted to get into that for a long, long time. Started to ask around years ago but it always seemed like such a misty, secret ridden realm, not to mention expensive. For some reason I'd gotten it into my head that it cost hundreds of dollars just to do one basic Order. Now, although not pocket change, I can see that I might be able to start doing it before too terribly long. I've got another researched Order coming which I hope to post soon along with some other pieces. Am keeping my eye out for more groups as I'm able to afford them. But my ultimate dream is to be able to start researching the pieces I have and any I acquire from this point on and dream of dreams, not only get a fairly decent one back but also with a picture(s) of the recipient... wearing some or (dare I ask) all of the awards that I'll have in the set. To me, that's the ultimate... well that and sharing it with my fellow members. God's been extremely good to me... He's blessed me so much in all ways including my collecting. I just need to be patient... which for me is often one of the worst parts (I pace the floors something awful with packages coming in! I'm like a kid on Christmas morning even when I know what's coming! ) and often, as I'm sure you know, being on the hunt... lying in the grass... waiting for the right prey to come along... lining up the shot (and on Ebay competing with other hunters all shooting at your prey) and bagging it... all takes so much time. But ultimately it can be so rewarding. I'll never understand why folks take drugs or drink to excess and such. To me, there are greater and safer (other than in the wallet department... but then drugs and booze and such are not cheap either!) highs to be had in doing something like this. There's nothing like going to an estate sale, auction or huge flea market, hunting something down and getting it for the price you want. And if you find something for a pittance and then discover it's fantastically rare, desireable and worth many times what you paid... that's priceless! On the duplicate... I'd definitely recommend getting one. Like all good pieces I'm sure they'll dry up. I'd read and heard some very good advice a few times over the years. Buy the rarer pieces first... the common stuff will be common for alot longer and probably for about the same prices. But the rare items will only keep getting harder to find and the prices will go through the roof. I'm sad to admit it but I've not often done that to my ultimate regret. With the Soviet pieces I got lucky and killed off most of the common basic pieces in a couple of deals and since then I've been able to learn more, concentrate on getting better pieces and it's been great fun and very rewarding. Trick is, of course, to get all this through trusted sources. Sure I'm preaching to the choir here... but I don't think I'd dare get any of the scarce or rare pieces off of say Evilbay or from a seller I'm not very familiar with. Just not worth the risk. Unless it's for dirt and I've checked it with the membership first. To me, to do otherwise nowadays would be tantamount to playing Russian roulette with one's bank account. I hope I'm old enough (44 on August 13th... all B-day presents extremely welcome! My address is... ) and getting wise enough to know my own limitations knowledge wise. I think that's what is truly priceless... the knowledge one attains through studying such things and learning all one can. And then the best part of that is sharing that knowledge with others. Well, I'm off to do some more pacing... not sure if I have a package coming in today or not... but I'm hoping. Thanks! Dan

Hi Fritz, In a word WOW! I'm glad I wasn't holding my bowl of popcorn (was watching DVD's a few minutes ago.) as it would have been all over the floor! Number one love them. Number two, love neck orders. Number three, love cased anything! Number four love cased neck orders (and breast stars, etc!). Only thing it needs is some enamel and I'd be gasping for breath! To me, the ultimate in Orders and Decorations are when they are cased and complete. These are beautiful! Many thanks for sharing! I'm sure everyone else will love them as well. Dan

Hi Fritz, "Veeeeery" nice!!!! Also as a knife collector I have a thing for Puma's. I have one of the White Hunter sheath knives as well as a Puma bayonet: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=7472 Post #12 Thank you for sharing! Gorgeous blade! Just love those engraved blades... can't get enough of the. Dan

Hey my friend, you said it! As I've said in at least one of my posts, early on I fell into a couple of great trade/purchase deals down in Florida not to far from our home down there. My wonderful, lovely wife Kim actually spotted the ad in the paper for some military items. My friend John who lives in the town these items were listed in went and checked them out for me. He's not an expert but from his report I could tell I needed to head over there. Kim and I took the drive over. Was in an antique mall and the seller had not had a ton of luck moving the military items there. So I managed to buy out a great quantity of what he had. I'd also gotten with another dealer at a local flea market who had previously purchased alot of material from this same source. Managed to make a good trade with him as well as some trades with the other seller as well. Got a very good basis for my overall Soviet awards collection as I was pretty much able to kill off all the common to semi common medals as well as a number of Orders. So I've just been building it up a few pieces at a time ever since. I just can't understand anyone who doesn't get into Soviet awards. To me, they have everything. Great design (for the most part), fantastic enamel, precious metals in many instances, and history that can't be beat! Plus the ability to research them and discover who they were awarded to and for what actions... something that is generally not able to be done with the vast majority of awards from other nations. Plus Kim also loves the enamels and designs... so that was indeed a definite plus! I'm still falling... and may never hit the bottom... beginning to wonder if there is one. Everytime I turn around I find another facinating facet to this great hobby. Thanks again, Dan

Hi Fritz, Many thanks for your kind words. Yes, the navy is indeed a Holler. I've always felt the German naval daggers, regardless of the era, were some of the nicest daggers they produced. I especially love the engraved blades! Thanks again! Dan

Hi Darrell, I deeply appreciate that. Again these are pieces I was beginning to think I might never add to my collection. But the good Lord worked it out so all the planets and moons lined up and everything worked out. And I'm ever so grateful to Him and all concerned! I feel like I've definitely advanced to a slightly higher position, not only in the pieces I have but in knowledge, especially since obtaining copies of the red and green bibles. I am constantly grabbing them to look up one thing or another. I honestly don't know how I made it as far as I have without them. But I'm very thankful I have them now. Now all I need is a gazillion more riker mounts or display cases for all these new pieces. Believe it or not I've never actually purchased riker mounts... they've always come with purchases that just happened to be in them at the time. But I'm now at the point where I'm in serious need of several more. Plus I've had to replace the glass in two or three of my old ones through the years. They take a licking and keep on ticking! Thanks again! Dan

And the last of this particular purchase... a Bravery (For Valor) Medal Type 2... however, it's a "Duplicate" as indicated by the smaller sized serial number and the cyrillic letter D. [attachmentid=47539] Again I could not be happier and am proud to add each and every one of these pieces to my humble and ever growing collection of Soviet awards and militaria. And once again, many thanks to all who helped to make this possible including Paul (Notned) in New Zealand (he knows what he did! ) and all the other Gentleman previously mentioned. Dan

Now on to the rest of my recent acquisitions... these also being from Rick (Stogieman). A Type 1 Bravery (For Valor) Medal and a Type 1 Military Merit (For Combat) Medal: [attachmentid=47537] [attachmentid=47538] Again pieces I've wanted for some time and was beginning to think I might never have the opportunity to add to my collection. I think these are great examples and am very pleased.

Actual Citation text: “Comr. Dzhidzhiashvili at the front of the Patriotic War since 23 June 1941. In combat with the German-fascist occupiers, received THREE wounds, of which one was SEVERE. 19 October 1941, received a severe wound in action the district of Petrozavodska, while commanding a machine gun platoon, 1063rd Rifles Regiment, 272nd Rifles Division. 12 January 1942, received a light wound in action in the district of Medvezhegorsk, while commanding a machine gun platoon, 1072nd Rifles Regiment, 313rd Rifles Division. 12 July 1942, light wound in action in the district of Povenets on the Karelian Front during a reconnaissance action, while commander of a machine gun platoon, 1072nd Rifles Regiment. For receiving wounds in action for the Socialist Homeland, demonstrated boldness, courage, and valor— Deserves to be awarded the Order ‘OF THE PATRIOTIC WAR 1ST CLASS.’ 16 May 1945, Commander 414th Rifles Regiment, Guards Lieutenant Colonel ‘Arkhipov’ 21 May 1945 Deserves to be awarded the Order ‘of the Patriotic War 1st Class,’ Commander of 19th Rifles Division, Colonel ‘Poluvashkin’ 8 June 1945 per decree of 23 May 1945 of the 132nd Rifles Corps, awarded Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class, Commander of Cadres, Major ‘Karev’ ‘ Per the units listed in this citation, served on the static front north of Lake Ladoga defending Leningrad from OUTSIDE the besieged city. 19th Army ended the war in the Danzig area. He may well have received Polish awards also not shown on this ARC. [attachmentid=47536] Also Rick says there's an archival error on the ORS serial number.... note that it has been crossed out and corrected on the original record card! To me at least, this is just a great group and I could not be more pleased or happy with it. Many thanks to Rick (Stogieman) for working this out for me... his patience in answering my many questions and for all his assistance with my purchase. Also many thanks to Rick Research and Dave (Navy FCO) for all their aid and assistance and for answering many of my questions as well. Thanks guys! You are all Scholars and Gentleman and I salute you all! Dan

OGPW 1st Recommendation: [attachmentid=47535]

Page 2 of the ARC:

And the research. First his Awards Record Card (ARC): [attachmentid=47533]

And a reverse view: [attachmentid=47532] "Awards per Orders Book #857887 on Awards Record Card = OPW1 # 214,126 per decree of 132nd Rifles Corps 23.5.45 MMM without number per Ukaz 15.11.50 for long service ORS #3,377,507 per Ukaz 26.10.55 for long service No campaign or jubilee medals are listed on his ARC at all. Entitlements can only be presumed from his war service units as shown below as: Victory Over Germany and 1948 Armed Forces Jubilee (as of 1955). His citation for the OPW1 showed him as Lieutenant commanding the machine gun platoon of the 3rd Rifles battalion, 414th Rifles Regiment, 18th Rifles “Mginskoi, Red Banner, Order of Suvorov 2nd Class” Division, 19th Army, 2nd White Russian Front. It states he had served on the Karelian Front (Finland) from 22 June 1941, and on the 2nd White Russian Front from 1.2.45. Wounded three times: severe wound 19.10.41, and light wounds 12.1.42 and 12.7.42. His next of kin in May 1945 was his father, Tato Iosifovich Dzhidzhiashvili."

Hi all, Several new additions so far this week and hoping more to arrive soon. First off, this group from Rick (Stogieman) that I've wanted for some time. Let me say before I post it though that I know there's been alot of controversy surrounding part of this group. But I "love" it and am aware of any possible shortcomings. They don't bother me. I feel this is a terrific group with alot of great WWII history behind it... and to me that's the most important thing. Keeping yet one more memory and bit of history alive and intact. This is my first researched group. And yes, I know there's another category for that... but Rick already had posted these there. So I'm simply adding them to my ever growing list of Soviet Orders. The link to Rick's post for any that would care to see it there is: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=9530 Also, after trying my camera I've decided to use Rick's pics (with permission... many thanks Rick! ) till I get my scanner (hopefully soon) and do my own. [attachmentid=47531] "Georgy Tatoevich Dzhidzhiashvili was born in 1921 in the village of Shindisi, {{{Gavsouvusky??}}} Region of the city of Tbilisi (Tiflis), Georgia. Georgian, higher technical education, called up for the Red Army 20 February 1939 from Tbilisi Oblast MilCom. Member of the CPSU since 1942. As of 4 December 1955 (Awards Record Card) he was a captain and commanded the “1st Department” at the city of Marneuli (Georgia) Military Commissariat." Let me say here, that the pictures (IMHOP) do not do this group justice in any way, shape or form. The OGPW 1st looks much better to me in person. The red enamel on the star arms was redone by a jeweler and looks terrific. The white enamel was sadly a bit overcooked in the process and has a bit of a greyish look to it. But to me it also makes the legend stand out a bit and gives it a bit of a unique look. In other words, it stands out. Some folks may not like that... I do. It's got that "I've been there and done that" look to it. And even the contrast between the shinier, more even gold on the hammer and sickle and the nice patina on the gold starburst just brings it all together in my eyes. This is also my "first" OGPW 1st Type 2 Variation 1. It's a piece I've wanted for some time. I have several of the 80's issues, one being a first, as well as a WWII issue 2nd class Type 2.

Hi Pat, Looks good to me but again I'm not an "expert" on these. As far as a "sleeve" eagle... only a few TR organizations used that... SS, NSKK, etc. Rommel allowed NO SS in Africa. Any SS insignia you find in tropical kit was from say, Greece, Italy and any other similar areas where they did serve. And this is most definitely NOT an SS style eagle. Units that served in the African campain were Army, Navy and Air Force. Can definitely rule out the AF... and pretty sure navy would be in gold or silver in the case of administration personnel. So that of course leaves army. Just need someone up on Afrika Korps cloth insignia to jump in and take it from here. Good luck! Be great if it turns out to be okay as it certainly has that been there, done that look! Dan

Many thanks! On the oaks... it's possible. But that's an area I'm not that familiar with. Any National Guard members out there that can help? We also have several reserve branches like the Coast Guard and Naval Reserve, etc. as well as CAP (Civil Air Patrol) but doesn't look like something for them. But again I'm not positive. I know that in our unit we only used lamps of learning, stars and such... no oaks. Would love to find out more. Dan

Hi Mike, I deeply appreciate your comments on my "service". I only wish I could have gone on and done but. But I've tried to do so in other ways in the community. But I sure do miss "life in uniform". When I cruised on the Lexington as well as a day tour on the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy I just fell in love with carriers! To me they were the ultimate in naval service although I know alot of guys will argue with that re: subs or battleships. But some things are just not meant to be I guess. On your son... that does sound like quite a sea change... I wonder what happened that caused that. As it sounds like he was truly gung ho about the whole military experience. But, if he's happy in his current job then that's the most important thing. We've always brought Nick up with the idea that no matter what he decides to do in life... from being President of a corporation to being a ditch digger... be the best at it you can be and that if he's "happy" in it... truly happy, then hang the rest as that's what's really important. I'm sure glad you stopped by and took the time to comment on all this. It's made me feel alot better about posting these... and believe me I hesitated but felt I'd probably never had another chance. I know there's a thread where everyone was supposed to show their "gongs" as I believe it was put. But I didn't dare post there. That's for the "heavy artillery". But I am proud of what I accomplished and what I learned... often under very trying circumstances. I guess it's like most people who haven't experienced things like the military. They see ribbons or medals and they simply don't realize what can often go into earning such things. They just see little pieces of cloth or shiney bits of metal and that's "all" they see. But that's also what makes those who do what we do special... we can "see beyond" and realize what went into each and every award or piece of insignia. The blood, sweat and tears as they say. It's like, look at a navy Seal badge. Not the most impressive thing in the world. No enamel... no precious metals or precious jems. But oh what it takes to earn one! And because of that, when that new Seal receives his badge it's more precious than all the gold in Fort Knox! And he wouldn't trade it for anything! Thanks! Dan

Hi all, Here's another example... in this instance for the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. [attachmentid=47141] In a way I almost feel embarrassed posting these compared with so many of you who have been members of the active armed forces. Nevertheless these are my awards for four years in the NJROTC. They're all I have... and I'm proud of them. I'd intended to do two years of junior college, taking a bit of a break before jumping in at University level while taking the last two years of ROTC in order to get my commission in the U.S. Navy, hopefully in carriers. No such luck as during spring break in my second year I was involved in a hit and run accident... my little Chevy Vega Estate Wagon getting rammed by a huge battleship... an Oldsmobile 88, the driver of which then proceeded to drive off and only gave himself up the next morning... when he'd sobered up. Long story short my career in the military went down the drain as I was rewarded with a concussion, back and neck injuries that still give me problems to this day. But as I say, I'm proud to have at least done my four years in JROTC and having had the opportunity to have that experience. I took it very seriously, having all along planned on a military career. Just wish it all had worked out. So while very minor by comparison to those who actually served, as I say, I'm very proud of my humble awards. For reference here's the current NJROTC ribbon chart (changes noted below.): http://www.frontiernet.net/~ericbush/US/Njrotc.gif Basically, here's the lineup: The gold stars each signify one full years service. Row 1: Participation (Community Service)/Parade Details* Row 2: Good Conduct (four awards)**/Personal Appearance (six awards)**/Aptitude** Row 3: Naval Science IV Outstanding Cadet**/Naval Science III Outstanding Cadet**/Naval Science II Outstanding Cadet (two awards)** Row 4: Naval Science I Outstanding Cadet**/Sea Cruise (Carrier U.S.S. Lexington CVT-16/Mini Boot Camp - Orlando Naval Training Center (NTC)*** Row 5: Honor Guard (Excutive Officer)****/Drill Team**/Color Guard***** Notes on changes: * Seems they've changed this one to Exemplary Personal Appearance now. ** Changed to a new ribbon for the same thing. *** Slight change in ribbon but basically the same. **** Special award created for our units Honor Guard. ***** Same ribbon, believe they pictured theirs upside down... should be red/white/blue. We were on the cusp of when changes were being made. When I started and for three years there was no specific ribbon for such things as community service, parades, special events, etc. Nor were there for boot camp or cruises. We did not have an Honor Guard until my Senior year. I came up with the concept but made the mistake of trusting one of my fellow officers who proceeded, before I had the opportunity to take it to the Unit CO with the idea... as his own and he was made CO of the HG unit. I made it clear to him in no uncertain terms how displeased I was but to protect him (mistake?) accepted the post of XO and kept my mouth shut. I saw no need to cause unnecessary problems in our corps of cadet officers so I let it go. But the HG unit itself I was very proud of. I don't believe any other units had this and by the look of it they still don't. I created it as whenever we had a high ranking naval officer (or any officer(s) or VIP's come for a visit, ceremony, etc, we had no way to give them the honors they were due. This HG unit solved that problem and made quite an impression. Our debut was during Homecoming that year when we formed an arch with our swords which the King and Queen for Homecoming that year walked through. Everyone loved it! So it's something I'm very proud of. I made Petty Officer 2nd Class half way through my Freshman year... only one of two to do so. The other ended up as our unit commander and went on to graduate from the Naval Academy taking the USMC option. Was then promoted to Ensign at the end of our Junior year and was made full Lieutenant at the beginning of our Senior year. Was Supply officer, then commander of the Second Platoon. Was one of the creators of the units Honor Guard and was it's Executive Officer. Was also on the Drill Team and Color Guard for a portion of one year. Again it's nothing compared with the real awards some of our members have been awarded... but as it's as far as I was able to get it's what I'm proud of. Thanks, Dan

Ahhhh yes, governments! No matter which one or where they are... just about equally stupid across the board! Dan

Hey Darrell, don't forget the Canadian postal system! Three days to France yet two to three weeks to or from the U.S. Of course have to throw the Canadian Customs Service into that as well. Dan

Amen Pat! Good one! Thanks for posting that! Dan

Hi Gerd, Just wondered... when would the one I got from you have been awarded? Thanks, Dan