Order of Skanderbeg

[svapr]

Hello, I would like some advice on this order. Can you give me some information (from what time, original?). Thank you.

[922F]

In my experience, this type insignia first appeared in the early-mid 1960's notably in Graf Klenau auction catalogs.  Supposedly commissioned by Ernst Blass, they apparently were made using Grannero [supplier to firms like Gardino & Johnson] dies so metal work is close to originals.  However, finish & details suffer.  Note poor quality enamel, lack of ball suspension between eagle heads, failure to cut out excess metal in loveknots/FERT wreath. and sloppy reverse disc attachment among other 'tells'.  Two or three examples of this type were supposedly made in silver but the bulk are metal.  This item displays decent gold plating and includes blue color applied in the eagle eyes so is a relatively early one [1964-67?].   Pieces of even lower quality appear on the market.

 

An argument has been made that all 'genuine period' Italian-made Italo-Albanian Order insignia should have Italian silver/gold fineness/maker marks according to regulations in effect at the period.   

 

Similar quality BESA Order insignia exist, usually attributed to the same person. 

[Zaim Qyteza]

I have the same opinion as you.