Hauptmann

Hi Artan, Those attachments look like the ones used on alot of Hungarian badges. But this is one I've never seen before. But those definitely appear to be postal insignia... and with the lightning bolts... those usually signify something to do with radio, etc. Dan

And last but not least a closer shot. No idea if this was perhaps a prototype and they decided it was too labor intensive or cost prohibitive or what. Would absolutely love to know the history of it. Anyhow as always comments or further information are welcomed. Dan

Here's an end on shot showing the D shaped lucite in the plastic backing. And the reverse showing the attachment pins.

Hi all, Okay... this one is... lets say on the razors edge of being here... but as there's a ton of plastic... and they are ribbons and since I've been told from on high that it's okay to put it here I'm going to pop it in. It's the only one Rick or I have seen. Just got it in and it's a beaut! Hoping more info comes to light on these. It's rather hefty, extremely well constructed and built like a brick battleship. The ribbons are the standard cloth types but under the D shaped lucite covers which are embedded into the plastic (not sure what type... reminds me a bit of bakelite... I know I've seen it before) backing. Well made pins on the back which include hook at the top as you can see for extra support. Only drawback is the backing is white... perhaps for a white uniform? Would certainly stick out like a sore thumb on the other color uniforms. No makers marks unless they are well hidden somewhere. Note it even has inset dividing lines in the plastic between the rows.

Which would you rather have... the before or after? Me... personally... the after any day of the week. As long as it's done properly and with the love and respect such an auto deserves. Dan

I'm sorry you feel that way Auke. I knew that some members probably would. But I have to say that my intention was never to make them look "brand new". When I took them to a jeweler and discussed it with him, I showed him several other examples and asked if he could "repair" them by putting new silver rings back on as well as silver attachment rings soldered to make them solid at the joins. He did not mention that there was a risk of the medals losing their original enamel or in changing their colors or needing to be polished. My father used to silver solder back when I was in high school. He used a very small and precise torch and didn't tend to have that happen to items he was working on. So it simply did not occur to me. When the jeweler called me and said they were done I went over and to be honest I was shocked to discover that all the enamel was gone and that they were now a white/gray color. He offered to polish them to remove that discoloration and at that point I didn't see much of a choice. There are many examples of awards that were repaired for or by vets in order that they could wear them with pride. It was my intention, thinking along those lines, to restore them to give them back the honor they so richly deserve. Once faced with what happened at the jewelers I did the best I could with them. They will gain a new patina over time as all silver objects tend to do. My intention was to honor them, not to harm them. I did not "mickey mouse" them in my garage but went to a professional jeweler to get it done right. I went to no small trouble in doing this and felt I was doing it for the right reasons. Had this been combat damage or even if they'd only been missing (or partially) missing their enamel I'd have also left that alone. But in this instance I did, in my opinion, nothing less than someone who rescues an antique or classic car from a junk yard and restores same to all it's glory. I'm truly sorry if I've in any way offended your or any other members sensibilities by doing this. But to be honest I like them better as they are now and will like them even more once they have regained a natural patina. The past owner also likes them now and feels I did well to restore them. Also, they were posted in the sales section and anyone had the opportunity to purchase them. No one did so, so perhaps no one else felt they were deserving to be added to their collection or were not worth the bother when better pieces could be obtained. I personally like underdogs and to me these just needed some TLC and I'm proud to have them in my collection. I realize full well that there are those who are totally against doing anything to anything old... period. And there are those who feel as I do. I don't really wish to rehash or debate that whole issue. For the most part I leave all my awards as I obtain them, regardless. But in this instance as well as an Imperial German black wound badge I felt the repair/restoration was called for. Also please not the 30th Anniversary of the Red Army/Navy medals in my same thread. They look rather shabby and one even has thread used to help hold the ribbon together. I wanted them specifically because they have that been there/done that look. I have no intention of say polishing the medals, replacing the ribbons, etc. They are, in my eyes, perfect just the way they are. But if I found one as just the medal with no kolodka or ribbon I would have no problem replacing same as otherwise the medal is incomplete. And if I could obtain (for a reasonable amount) older, worn parts to make it whole and make it look as it should I would not hesitate to do so. If I can eventually find older mounts and ribbons for these I would happily replace the newer ones I've used for now. Again my intention was to honor them and nothing else. Dan

I've had this one for a good while. Got it at a local auction. I didn't post because it was damaged. The hinge was broken off and there was no pin. Just had it repaired at my local jeweler and did up a pin for it. I think it looks much better now. Dan

Pics (with the exception of my scans of the obverse and reverse of the restored medals) by koopyetz. Dan

And a couple more additions:

Silver rings silver soldered to the medals in their proper position as well as the attachment rings having their joints silver soldered. Sadly due to the heat the original enamel on the lettering came off so I had to restore those as well. New kolodkas and ribbons and I hope you'll agree their back to their original glory. Dan

After:

After:

My latest... a restoration. Before:

Another Mother's medal: Dan

Dan

Another 30th Anniversary of the Red Army medal. Again a very salty, vet worn look which is what I love! These both look like they've been there, done that... and if only they could talk the things they've seen!

Hi Theodor, Many thanks for the additional info as well as that great picture! It definitely confirms what I'd learned... funny enough on Ebay! For the longest time I'd thought it was a slightly fancier Soviet one but good to be able to ID it properly and put it where it belongs. Dan

Hi all, I originally thought this was a Soviet finial but it seems that was incorrect. Seems it's a Bulgarian finial so figured I'd post it over here. Any additional info would be deeply appreciated. Dan

Not an Order but my latest: These seem to have been drying up over the last year or two. Or at least at decent prices. Same with the 40th Anniversary medals. Dan

Finally another new addition to my Russian Federation awards. The medal for Bravery During Fire. Created January 24, 2001 and issued by the Interior Ministry to members of the Interior Ministry, the military forces of the Interior Ministry, employees of the state fire service and in some cases other citizens of the Russian Federation. Awarded for courage and dedication while extinguishing fires, saving lives and property from fire, for leadership in fires and rescues and courage, determination and high professionalism as demonstrated in preventing an explosion or fire. Information gathered from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/9700517/Russia-9-Orders-and-Medals-Wikipedia Dan

More goodies. Dan

And the hunt continues! Dan