Order of Alexander Nevsky - original or copy?

[markbojin]

Hello everybody!

I would much appreciate it if I could get some help.

I've been approached by a seller who offered me the Order of Alexander Nevsky.

He kindly provided me with photos of it, which are displayed here. I have some doubts regarding the email and Alexander Nevsky's profile, but, since I am no expert, I could really use some help regarding this topic.

Could anyone please give me some advice?

Thank you very much in advance.

[paul wood]

Can't see any obvioùs problems

Paul

[markbojin]

Thank you very much, Paul. I wasn't sure about leaves on the right wing of the star.

 

Marko

[markbojin]

Could anyone else, please, share his/her opinion with me regarding this order? :-)

[Egorka]

Hello Marko,

The usual answer in such cases - With the photographs available it looks like a bad one. I personally would not buy with photographs like these, assuming you don't buy extremely cheap.

I would advice you to request sharper photos.

[markbojin]

• Hello Egorka,

Thank you very much for your kind answer. Yes, photos are rather suspicious and I think I shall let it go. :-)

[Ferdinand]

I actually think this is an original piece.

[Egorka]

I think the center medallion looks contrastingly new compare to the rest of the construction. But it might be just the quality of the photographs.

[paul wood]

Centres often tone like that,seems to have honest wear and the reverse appears fine. Obviously with someting of that value it is worth getting quality enlargements as there are exceptionally good copes around. It would be well worth investing in a copy of Mc Daniel.

Paul

[Ferdinand]

The center medallion has just been polished quite rigorously I think. They even did a bit of the rim, as the last photo shows.

The serial number in particular is absolutely textbook, it's very hard to fake that.

[Marse]

3 hours ago, Ferdinand said:

The serial number in particular is absolutely textbook, it's very hard to fake that.

Agree.

[markbojin]

Gentlemen, you have my gratitude for your thorough commitment regarding this order. I honestly appreciate it! Well, if I got the final word right, this award could be freely be considered original?

[Egorka]

OK, then. Maybe I am just paranoid.

Veteran: Sr. Lt. KODUCHENKO Mitrofan Vasil'evich, 1919. The order is for breaking enemy defense during the first day of Vistula-Odder offensive and subsequently taking control over village Biechów.

Quite possibly (not 100% sure) the cavalier is one of these officers from 107 rifle division - the young Sr. Lt. in the middle of top row.

 

Edited March 20, 2018 by Egorka

[markbojin]

Wow! Thank you very much for the information! More than 70 years after that photo was taken... I shall post the new photos of the order as soon as possible. :-)

[Egorka]

A little setback... 

The photo above is not related to this OAN. This is the photo of the Victory parade 1945 participants of 44 Guards rifle division. The HSU in the middle first raw is KREIZER Igor Ivanovich, 1922, 122 Gu. RR. 

Well, at least we ruled out wrong information.

 

[Egorka]

An update on the subject in case the whole our community is holding their breath...

It is still possible that than your officer on the photo is the Cavalier of this OAN 27361. The investigation is ongoing.

The original doubt appeared because the HSU in the front row was the 128 Gu. RR commander, 44 Gu rifle division, i.e. different division. BUT! As was confirmed by other helpful collectors this photo is of Victory parade participants in 1945. And these men were in a PROVISIONAL (temporary) battalion, for the time of victory parade (end May - end June 1945). So they all indeed belonged to different units! And this is OK here. The provisional regiments were formed on front basis, and both KODUCHENKO and KREIZER were in the same area (NORTH GROUP OF FORCES formed from 2 Ukrainian front) by June 1945. So far so good!

The doubt and discussion remains about some insignia and if it fully fits to KODUCHENKO. Will keep you posted.

[Egorka]

It seems after some detective work and help from other engaged collectors, the person on the photo was indeed positively identified as the recipient of the OAN # 27361 - Sr.Lt. KODUCHENKO.

[markbojin]

Hello Igor!

Thank you very much for your information! I was delighted to hear about history of the cavallier, St. Lt. M. V. Koduchenko, especially since I've learnt that he was one of the "vanyka vzvodny"-s! And that he served from June 22nd 1941 til May 9th 1945! I have bought the Order and will post photos soon! :-)