Hungary Medal of Merit for Service to the Country

[Gordon Craig]

This week I have been lucky enough to pick up an early issue of the subject thread and an early plastic ribbon bar device to go with it. It is interesting to show the comparison of both issues. Here is a picture of the front of the early issue award with its associated plastic ribbon bar device. I don't have the correct case for the early issue yet but the background is from a contemporaray case.

Edited October 17, 2007 by Gordon Craig

[Gordon Craig]

The back of the award is where the difference really becomes apparent. The back of the award is "solid" compared to the later issue which I will post next. You can also see the plastic ribbon bar device is simply painted on the reverse.

[Gordon Craig]

The front of the later issued award in it's case. There was no provision for a ribbon bar in this particular case.

[Gordon Craig]

The reverse of the later issue type.

[Gordon Craig]

The top of the plastic case.

[Gordon Craig]

A picture of three different awards in my collection to show the wide variation of ribbon colours one can expect to find in this award. Also note that the national colours are formed from a separate piece of cloth and sewn to the suspension ribbon rather than woven into the materila at manufature.

[Guest Rick Research]

Here is that in last place in a circa 1970 Soviet general's "D profile" painted plastiglass ribbon bar--

[Gordon Craig]

Rick,

Thanks for the picture. Interesting to see this Hungarian award worn on a USSR generals ribbon bar.

Regards,

Gordon

[SasaYU]

Gordon, can you please tell me what is a price for this medal (boxed)?

[Gordon Craig]

SasaYu,

Sorry but I don't remember what I paid for mine. My medals and all my inventory stuff is still packed away from my move from Hungary to Canada. Here is North America they would probably go for U.S.$30.00 to $35.00. You should be able to get a cased one for less where you live.

Regards,

Gordon

[SasaYU]

Thank you Gordon.

I have one that is offered to me for 7.50 euros, and I was wandering is it a fair price, since Orders and medals of Hungary are not my area of interest.

Still, it looks nice and I am thinking should I buy it ?

[Gordon Craig]

SasaYu,

Buy it. That is a very reasonable price.

Regards,

Gordon

[hunyadi]

Heaven forbid if someone writes a book about these medals????/ Then where would the price go.... :whistle:

[cimbineus]

.

Gents,

Here is an extremely rare piece, the very first version of this Medal from 1956. Its original name was: "Commemorative Medal for Service to the Country". It was awarded just once to some officers and general officers on the then Army Day, i.e. 29th September 1956. My estimation for the three grades all together is not more than two dozens!

I kindly warn you and be aware that these medals are beloved pieces of almost all fakers, so, if you are offered one, simply do not believe your fortune, there are no miracles...

(The name of the medal was changed to "Medal of Merit for the Service to the Country" in 1964.)

Regards,

cimbineus

[cimbineus]

.

... and here is the Medal in silver (2nd grade):

Edited September 8, 2010 by cimbineus

[cimbineus]

.

... and the 3rd grade in bronze:

[Troy Tempest]

Here is my bronze grade of the Medal of Merit for Service to the Country 1956-1965. Is it okay?

[Troy Tempest]

[cimbineus]

Here is my bronze grade of the Medal of Merit for Service to the Country 1956-1965. Is it okay?

Hi,

Yes, the Medal is okay, but with a slight correction. These Merit Medals were from 1964 to 1989.

Those in 1956-1957 were a bit different in their appearance and their name was Commemorative Medal for Service to the Country, and these are extremely scarce.

Regards,

cimbineus

[Troy Tempest]

Thank you cimbineus :)

[cimbineus]

Gents,

This picture shows all three types of the Medal. The first type is with the ’49 coat of arms. The second type is with the ‘Kossuth’ coat of arms. And, the last five ones are the five variations of the third type with the ’57 coat of arms.

Regards,

cimbineus

[cimbineus]

[Gordon Craig]

cimbineus,

The variations in #3 and #7 are obvious but not the other. Would show them separately and point out the variations to us please.

Regards,

Gordon

[cimbineus]

Gordon,

Please, see the differences comparing the averses and the reverses of the Medals. Only one thing is not obvious from the pictures, the difference between the Medals No. 5. and No. 6. Those are basically similar pieces but the No. 5 is finished in traditional enamel, whilst the No. 6. is covered with coloured epoxy resin, a kind of plastic. The last one is simply painted. (Plastics and paints?! Disgusting! Where are the old traditions of the Hungarian medallists?)

Regards,

cimbineus

[Gordon Craig]

cimbineus,

Ok, I see the difference on the back of #4 now. The difference in finish in #5 and #6 doesn't really show up on my monitor but #7 sure does! Thanks pointing out the variations for me.

Regards,

Gordon