Afghanistan. Order of Gallantry Khalk period - or Fake?

[taras]

Found on Russian forum

I've never seen this type before.

[Ed_Haynes]

I have never seen it either, but it is possible. Given the massive destruction of records after three decades years of war, we may never know for sure.

Any image of the reverse? And is it Russian on the botton scroll? That would not be a positive indicator.

Thanks for adding this. Very interesting!

Edited February 26, 2009 by Ed_Haynes

[taras]

I have never seen it either, but it is possible. Given the massive destruction of records after three decades years of war, we may never know for sure.

Any image of the reverse? And is it Russian on the botton scroll? That would not be a positive indicator.

Thanks for adding this. Very interesting!

No reverse. Unfortunately.

[Riley1965]

Found on Russian forum

I've never seen this type before.

Is there any way you could get a close-up of the writing? That would help as Ed said.

Doc

[taras]

Is there any way you could get a close-up of the writing? That would help as Ed said.

Doc

That is why I suspect it is the fake: there is no writing! These pixels are not the inscription.

[Ed_Haynes]

Ah . . . yes . . . troubling. The proper coat of arms (1978-80) should be:

[Ed_Haynes]

Just for comparison, both standard types.

-- type 1 (1980-87) - #1248

-- type 2 (1987-92) - #1607

This "Khalq" version would have been earlier.

[taras]

Just for comparison, both standard types.

-- type 1 (1980-87) - #1248

-- type 2 (1987-92) - #1607

This "Khalq" version would have been earlier.

Anyway, as regards the common shape of all these versions, Soviet order of Red star is their obvious prototype

[Ed_Haynes]

Absolutely, and I think the type 1 was Soviet made, from unfinished Red Stars. It is, however, unmarked for any manufacturer.

I am told that Russian collectors (predictably?) have some intricate (but unproven) theories here.