Albania Albanian Orders in Auction

[Elmar Lang]

Dear Colleagues,

I understand that this is close to advertisement, but I would like to remember that tomorrow, November 22nd, we'll sell in auction Ambassador's Dr. Spada Collection of Orders & Decorations of the Socialist Countries. On this occasion, a huge collection of pieces from Communist Albania will be sold, many of them, highly interesting.

Now, I need to say that the description of all the Albanian pieces has been done thank to the invaluable book of our friend Eric Schena, author of the best reference on this interesting and phaleristically nearly "unexplored" field.

Kind regards,

Enzo Calabresi - www.sangiorgioaste.com

[Megan]

Just so - and it is pleasing to see that Eric's work is referenced in the auction catalogue!

Moreover, due to the kindness of the good folks at San Giorgio Aste, I have been allowed to use images of the items to be auctioned from said catalogue on my site. Thanks folks, Enzo & Eric in particular.

[Elmar Lang]

...but, as an enthusiast of Albanian phaleristic, I regret to say that seeing most of the Albanian pieces remaining unsold, it was quite disappointing.

At least, I'll buy some dreram-pieces in the after-sale...

Talking about bibliography, Eric's work is the book about Albania, and it's me to be proud of having used it during the cataloguing work (when we'll see the 3rd-4th Edition?)

Again, I need to thank Megan for her kindness, also in the name of my colleagues at the Auction House.

Wishing a best Sunday to everybody (I'm in the office, today...),

Enzo

Edited November 23, 2008 by Elmar Lang

[Bob]

Indeed a lot was UNSOLD... but at least I got some goodies!

Finally got my hands on the very rare small order of remembrance. Unfortunately did not win the lot with the gold prototype of the same.

Not me winning it, but 3.000 Euro for a gold first class IKOM Skanderbeg is a lot of money

I'm happy if Albanian items continue to stay out of the limelight... always on the lookout for numbered class 3 skanderbegs to hopefully research someday!

[Eric Schena]

Hi all:

Let me just say I am honored that my little book was used for this catalogue. My hope was that folks would find it useful and pleasant so to speak ("utile dulce", if you will), so to see it referenced is a great joy for me.

I am surprised so much went unsold. There were some great items in that sale!

Oh, and Megan, if you want any photos for your site, let me know and I can send you what I have.

Cheers,

Eric

[Megan]

Thank you, Eric.

At the moment I'm working through the goodies from the San Giorgio catalogue - but most of the time they only show the obverse of things. Beautifully, mind you.

When I have finished I'll invite you to come and take a look and see if there are any holes that you can fill.