Hello -
I thought that it would be many years before I saw one of these - but in my humble opinion, this appears to be a reproduction of some sorts! The star is way too small from all of my references (books, auction catalogues, etc...) the tips of the star should reach the edge of the 'star bursts'. This applies to every grade from 1st class to the 3rd class. The enamel is very poor. It should be a very deep red, similar to early Soviet orders. This enamel is very transparent! These were produced from 1949 to 1956. I have these photos for reference of a set that in my opinion was made after 1956 for museum purposes. (the case is a post 1956 variety) As you can see (even though the photo is not 100% great!) the enamel of the star is still very deep.
Secondly I don't like the reverse - it does not conform to the patter than I have seen on this cased set or the others that I have handled.
At its best - this may be a privately manufactured piece, but as it required special permission from the government to make awards from 1949 to 1989, I am doubtful.
What are the specific dimensions? Backing and the star?
Hi Dreads - the main star being 60mm in diameter is a 2nd class. The star should be 55mm from tip to tip. It may be a jewelers attempt to fix or resotre, but the star dimensions and materials do not seem to be up to par with period items. An original will run about $550-$600.
I checked the acution site for hungarian communist awards. It looks they´ve become scarce and more expensive; a merit medal was available for USD 124... :(
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight The Who, Won't get fooled again
It does seem that prices have gone up a bit over the past couple of years. Did you purchase your examples on the auction site you mentioned? A well-known NJ dealer is offering examples for even higher prices.
Pravda Wrote:It does seem that prices have gone up a bit over the past couple of years. Did you purchase your examples on the auction site you mentioned? A well-known NJ dealer is offering examples for even higher prices.
Cheers,
Will
It does not surprise me at all now if it´s the NJ man.:rolleyes:
But still it´s a very desireable set, isn´t it?
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight The Who, Won't get fooled again
It is a pretty nice set! I am a bit intrigued that the ribbon bar is not as faded as the ribbon on the medal itself. Usually the opposite is the case, however the case is in very good condition.
Do you have an example in your collection? Also, do you know if these medals are faked?
Pravda Wrote:Do you have an example in your collection? Also, do you know if these medals are faked?
Cheers,
Will
I´d looooooove to have one!
I do know that 1st and 2nd classes are faked; but I don´t know about the gold, silver and bronze grade medals.
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight The Who, Won't get fooled again
Yes these awards have become very popular lately among the Hungarian collecotrs so they have been "hoarding" them up in the last few years. I do remember the earlier years when most collectors scoffed at such items...it was too bad that I too generally avaoided them till about five years ago.
10-21-2010, 08:24 PM (This post was last modified: 10-21-2010, 08:26 PM by Pravda.)
Does anyone know why the gold Merit Medal of the HPR was awarded the most of all? I would expect it to be the bronze class that had the highest numbers.
Additionally does anyone know where I find a documented Merit Medal of the HPR or a good selection of these medals for sale?
