Documented Ushakov-Combat Service Group -- yea or nea?

[ibaya]

Another one for the viewing entertainment of this group's critical eyes -- larger image posted here:

[img=http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.e7e2321133.jpg]

[Nota Bene]

Ibaya,

I think the document is OK. I would like to see a better picture of the Ushakov medal.

Alexei

[Alex.S]

hi

I belive ushakov medals is fake. I was offered 3 simmular sets few weeks ago.

thanx
alex

[MONDVOR]

Even though the picture is bad, it still visible that the anchor is different in color comparing to the medal. It's more dark. But all war-time Ushakov medals had same color parts. There is a late version of the medal (solid structure) that was issued just before USSR collapsed. Those solid medals have anchor that has artificial dark patina. I can place the pictures after I get home from my job.
And still I do not understand how people can ask about the authenticity of their items posting such low-resolution images. To uncover the fake images should be at least 5 times bigger.

[Nota Bene]

Mondvor,

I believe you may have missed ibaya's link to a bigger picture. It's still not detailed enough, but check the serial number on that medal. What do you think?

Alexei

[MONDVOR]

Alexei, you are right, I missed the link to bigger images of this group. My bad :cry:
I compared the shape of the digits in Ushakov's serial number with the digits in close range - 13493, 13529 and 13549. "3" looks different and so does "5".
The suspension device has new design. War time Ushakov medals used different type of pin attachment. Anchor looks weird, its central spine is long and prominent. And also it's black in color.

[MONDVOR]

So it could be two possibilities. It's wether completely fake medal (but in this case it's a good fake - Ushakov's portrait is precise enough) or it was made out of late unnumbered version. Here are some scans.

[MONDVOR]

Hello Ibaya,
Now you can see that the quality of the picture does matter :)
Your new image is bigger and small details are visible. And it looks much better. From this big picture I would not say it's fake. But it would be good to see obverse picture as well. And close picture of the chain.
When I said "solid structure" I meant one piece construction. That is good that your piece is a two pieces construction, but not all Ushakov medals are double pieces medals. Medals that were manufactured in late 1980th or early 1990th are one piece construction. I posted the images of one of those medals and I can post more. New Russian Ushakov medals with engraved serial numbers are also one piece construction.
You mentioned that you have Ushakov awarded in 1991. But first we should determine if the medalbook is original. It could be just a blank document filled recently by fake makers. And even if the book is original the medal itself was probably made in 1944-45. I've seen some Ushakov medals in 15XXX serial number range and one of them was awarded in 1990. But it was an old style medal manufactured in the middle of 40th. After WWII several hundreds of Ushakovs and Nahimovs left unissued in the Department of Awards in Supreme Soviet and they were used in post war period.
About suspension device. Here is a picture of a war-time issue Ushakov's suspension device. Four point attachment.

[Nota Bene]

Wow! After looking at the serial number in the first picture I was almost positive that the medal was bad, just wanted to see a higher res scan to confirm. Intersting! Still, why is that anchor so black? Could you please post a scan of the front and edge if possible.

Alexei