Order "40th Anniversary Of The Party Of Labour Of Albania".

[medals73]

Order “40th Anniversary of the Labor Party of Albania” / Urdhëri “40 Vjëtori i Partia Punës e Shqipërisë”, type 1

It calls itself an "order", so I'll take Albania's word on that.

With the cute little (21-mm) lapel pin.

[CtahhR]

I've always thought of this as one of the strangest Albanian awards. It really asks more questions than it answers. The quality though can only be described as "Albanian". The miniature being made so the award can be worn without the "coin" blowing around in a light breeze.

[medals73]

For something from 1981, it isn't so bad. Strangely, it seems to have been worn as the only decoration by attendees at Hoxha's funeral in 1985, so it must have ranked rather high. (Schena, p. 162.)

[CtahhR]

It's been many years since I've physically handled this so I was surprised how heavy it felt in comparison to my recollection. After getting familiar with the extra light Asian awards this now feels a little weighty.

Rather the odd one out in the world of Albanian Orders.

[CtahhR]

Here is another example.

[CtahhR]

Awarded to Vasilika Nikolla Nauni on 6th June 1983. These were awarded by the Central Committee of the Party Of Labour Of Albania and not the Supreme Soviet.

So far all of these I have found have the exact same citation;

"A militant for more than three decades in the ranks of our glorious party, inspired and educated by the politics and revolutionary ideology of the party, knowledge, wisdom, bravery and principles, has implemented and defended faithfully and adamantly the programme, the Marxist-Leninist Line and the aims of the Party Of Labour Of Albania."

[CtahhR]

A 4th January 1984 award to Kadri Rushi Marku.