Red Star.

[Gerd]

Originally Posted by Mark

Hi Gerd,

Thank you very much for your reply. That is what I was wondering, if the red stars in this serial range were given for participation in combat operations in ww2 or for some kind of a long service or something like that. So you think they are not worth the research?

I think the serials are 2640118 and 2737362.

Mark

Mark,

its of course absolutely possible, that it is a combat awards, but only research will tell for sure. Its up to you, if its worth to you to research these Orders. If these are your only ones in your collection and you want an example, why Red Stars were awarded, then why not?

Both are probably from Mid 1945, but its allways difficult to say with Orders of the Red Star.

Btw, its one of my favourite orders. The simple design and the red enamel is just :love

best,
Gerd

[Mark]

Well, you're probably right, if nothing else, I can find out why were they awarding these red stars in such large numbers at the end of ww2. The important thing it to know more about the award and the owner, not to get the "coolest" citation.

The red star is also one of my favourite soviet orders, just behind the order of glory. If you like the red enamel on the red star, then you need to get a yugoslavian partisan star into your collection. The enamel on these pieces is even more beautiful and deep.

Regards,
Mark

[Gerd]

Originally Posted by Mark

Well, you're probably right, if nothing else, I can find out why were they awarding these red stars in such large numbers at the end of ww2. The important thing it to know more about the award and the owner, not to get the "coolest" citation.

The red star is also one of my favourite soviet orders, just behind the order of glory. If you like the red enamel on the red star, then you need to get a yugoslavian partisan star into your collection. The enamel on these pieces is even more beautiful and deep.

Regards,
Mark

Well, then you should definately get research for them. I also don´t look for the coolest citation (although i don´t mind to have a few), but to the story behind this particular order.

I often thought about to buy a Partisan Star, but they are non-researchable and i have allways spent my money for soviet stuff, when a nice one pops up ;)

Gerd

[Mark]

OK, but still it's a nice, simple and rare order, and perhaps someday there will be possible to research them...

If I'll manage to get in contact with the researcher I'll probably research, first the glory's and then the red stars.

Mark

[jefflgarrison]

First let me state that I live in Gdansk, Poland. Each year we have a "Jahr Markt" where vendors from other cities come to sell antiques (mostly junk) and other things.

One vendor from the city of Lodz had 13-14 "Order of the Red Star" with various numbers (mostly high millions) but he had one or two that were in the hundreds of thousands that I purchased for 100pl ($33.00) each.

Here is one. It is #134134 (interesting double number) with what looks like two enamel points having been smoothed due to some damage. The other three show some ware but are in very good condition.

Please take a look at the back and give me your opinion. $33 was not too much to pay if it has been modified but it has a very good patina on the back and the mint mark is curved up exactly like the one from the real ones I have seen in images.

[jefflgarrison]

Here is the second star #231773. Again I only paid $33.00 for it so if it is a higher number, I won't be saddened.

However, everything about the star looks good. The enamel is in good condition with moderate wear.

The only problem I have is with the even thought a number could have been removed from the end of the series, I don't see any buffing signs when looking up close under a magnifying glass.

Again, I ask your opinion.

[jefflgarrison]

Here is the last one. I paid $66.00 for this one and if it is a fake I will be disappointed.

It is #352095 and seems to have had the top enamel point replaced with fingernail polish which I was unable to detect when I was purchasing due to the lighting around the vendor's booth.

Let me know what your opinion is.

[Lapa]

Hi Jeff,

First of all, welcome to the Forum, I am certain you'll enjoy the place.
Regarding your Red Stars, the first and the third ones look OK to me.
The second one looks more like a later type; are you certain that the first digit is a "2", or could it be a "9" altered to make it look like a "2"? In any case, please post a scan of the mintmark to be sure.

Marc

[jefflgarrison]

Ok, here are several more pictures

The first is of a closer look at the first of the numbers.

The second is the mint mark.

Btw, what would the first and third star be valued at?

[Lapa]

Jeff,

The first is the most valuable of the lot. It is Type 2 with screwpost base. The others are Type 3.

Thank you for your new scans. I almost certain that the first digit is a 9, not a 2.

Marc