Hungary Hungarian Security

[hunyadi]

Interesting... I have this sports medal from Dozsa S.E. though it looks like it may have been ground down there is no evidence that it ever said "Bastya". I think it may have been ground down during the engraving. The sporting event is dated for January of 1955. Also of note is the AVH insignia.

[Greg Collins]

Charles,

Though I don't own this, the image (among others) was sent to me to help in personal research. As you can see, the Bastya type (lettering) above the logo is struck in relief- the lettering is "taller" than the background. Were this lettering ground down to the level of the background, then "Dosza S.E." could be engraved where it was. It appears, at least to me, that this is the case in the example you have provided. Of note is the lip at the medal's edge that is gone at the top but reappears as you move away from the "grind" area. Great find, by the way!

Edited July 29, 2010 by Greg Collins

[Gordon Craig]

Greg, Charles,

Interesting medals. Is this another case of one organization falling out od disfavour for another or just a name change?

Regards,

Gordon

[Greg Collins]

Charles,

The Bastya S.E. was only for the AVH and AVO (those who wore that specific cap badge that is the logo of the club). After 1956, membership was opened up to all the Ministry of the Interior. I believe this was the reason for the name change, and I believe this occurred prior to the '56 revolution.

[Gordon Craig]

Grege,

The date on the medal Charles posted would seem to support your idea that the name change took place before the 56 revolution.

Regards,

Gordon

[hunyadi]

That sums it up pretty much - I would guess that in 1955 the name was changed and the "overstock" of medals were probably ground down and the new name engraved. I'm now kicking myslef for turning down these medals that I simply thought of as "simple sport medals"....I found so many of them at the flea markets and I only picked this one up becasue it was the same one that was seen in my book for the photo of the AVH individual who is wearing the Excellent Shooting Badges :banger:

Edited July 29, 2010 by hunyadi

[Greg Collins]

My theory regarding the name change is that it occurred in the months between the end of Rakosi's administration (and the ensuing ministry reshuffle) and the revolution in 1956.

I know what you mean about these medals... I'm still looking for one.

[Greg Collins]

A couple of AVH Service Medals; a Silver grade and Bronze grade to go with the Gold grade I already have.

[Greg Collins]

Upon closer inspection of the Bronze grade, you'll notice that a Gold grade star has been attached to the Bronze grade wreath. Those who own Charles' book will have seen this same treatment applied to a Police Service Medal (1951).

[Greg Collins]

A couple of Police cap badges. I believe the one to the left is a Rakosi period piece- two piece construction with hot enamel. The one to the right may be a Kadar period transition piece; still two piece but with cold enamel (granted this is difficult to tell from photos- much easier if handling the piece). Later, the blue of the background would become darker and the badge would be one piece.

[Greg Collins]

A couple of detail images of the Rakosi piece. Also note that the star is not exactly "square" to the background.

[hunyadi]

Greg can you post a better shot of the ribbons on these?

[Greg Collins]

Charles,

Which piece(s) and what aspect are you interested in? If you mean the AVH Medals, the ribbons appear lighter here than they are- shot in open shade and edited (using Corel Photo-paint) for the detail in the medal itself. The ribbon is actually a deep "cherry" red.

Edited August 17, 2010 by Greg Collins

[hunyadi]

Charles,

Which piece(s) and what aspect are you interested in? If you mean the AVH Medals, the ribbons appear lighter here than they are- shot in open shade and edited (using Corel Photo-paint) for the detail in the medal itself. The ribbon is actually a deep "cherry" red.

Hi Greg - yes the ribbons on the AVH (Karhatalom) Long Service Medals. Im always interested in the production of the ribbons as well - they do help to give a timeline as to production with thier construction, loopes - etc...

[Greg Collins]

OK, Charles, will do but it will have to wait until Friday... will be "overcome by events" until then :-(

[Greg Collins]

A pre-Rakosi communique/letter dated 12 December 1946, hand signed, from AVO Lt. Colonel Dr. Aladar Gyuris, Deputy Division Chief, to Miklos Hulenyi stating the following:

"My dear Friend!

I took steps regarding your request. Your case is currently under investigation. Unless any special problems arise, the permit will be issued to you.

Yours Sincerely,"

First, the letter as a whole:

[Greg Collins]

Next, the "return address" portion which isn't an address but, rather, the organizational entity:

[Greg Collins]

The signature block...

[Greg Collins]

Charles,

As promised, some ribbon views of the Silver grade AVH medal- the Bronze is virtually identical. Taken early morning, open shade. No colour, contrast or light manipulation. I hesitate to uncouple the ribbon ends from the medal as I felt resistance- maybe a crimp- and also because of the stitching. First, the whole medal:

[Greg Collins]

Now a view of the rear as it joins the medal...

[Greg Collins]

A view of the right side from the front (no stitch visible)...

[Greg Collins]

A right side, rear view shows a "whip" stitch put in by hand...

[Greg Collins]

And, finally, the left side viewed from the back. "Whip" stitch on the side as well...

[hunyadi]

Greg - WOW on the PRO document, that is probably more rare than the AVH item!! The ribbon is certainly a Karhatalom piece. Is the riboon "prong" aluminum or is it sheet metal steel? If its aluminum it could be made in the late 1970's or even latter. If its stamped hseetmetal its early 1960's.

[Greg Collins]

A couple of incidental pieces here that fit nicely into the collection... a Dozsa (Internal Ministry sports club) Spartakiad badge from 1960 and a Volunteer Fireman lapel badge (goes well with the full sized badge I have- will post later).

Edited August 21, 2010 by Greg Collins