National Flag 1cl is one of the top North Korea decoration. According to a major resorces, it was "Established in October 1948, this was the first award of the Communist North Korea and it remained its only order for nearly two years. As the new awards were added in the first days of the Korean War, the Order of National Flag kept its status as North Korea's highest decoration (it became second highest award only in 1977, after the establishment of the Order of Kim Il Sung). "
How many types are there? I don't have Mr.David Cabral's book, but according to the refrence I have on my hand, there are at least 4 types. And I have 3 types. From left to right: pin back(T4), Czech made screw back(T2) and Soviet made screw back(T1)
Type 1:
Soviet Made screw back variation. This type were most manufactured during Korean War, and the awarded number is very very small. Also, the quality is higher than the other types. Its character is the flat reverse. And this is the most valuable type. In China, the price of a mint one is selling above RMB 20,000. I think the price in international market is higher than $3000. This type is larger than other types. Here is some information:
Type 2:
This type is manufactured by Czechslovakia. As one of the highest industrilized socialist country, Czechslovakia was the second manufacturer of North Korea National Flag 1cl. This type is smaller than T1. And the reverse is relief. Also, this type is expensive, the average price in China is RMB 5,000-6,000, I think interantional market may be higher than $800. Information:
Type 3:
This type maybe manufactured by North Korea itself. It is horizonal pin back, circa 1960s. I have no this type. So no furthur information. But I know the price in China is RMB2,000-2,500.
Type 4:
This is the final type which is manufactered after 1960s. The quality is poorer than the previous types. And there are 2 variations. V1 is numbered, and V2 is unumbered. The price in China is RMB 300-400, international I think would be over $40. Information:
I have just (let me be honest: inspired by the Sessler & McDaniel volume -- publish a good book and you can be blamed if you invent a new area of study -- and thereby drive prices UP) added a few DPRK goodies to "my stable".
I hate to admit this, but I was surprised by the size difference in the 1st (type 4, variation 2, #56437), 2nd (type 5, variation 9), and 3rd (type 6, variation 6, #73057) classes of the Order of the National Flag: 62 mm, 60 mm, and 50 mm.
(Oops, sorry the 1st class rotated on the scanner.)
The National Flag Order was the very first award of the DPRK. Founded 2nd October 1948 (only 23 days after the foundation of the Republic). This Order is somewhat comparable to the Soviet Order "Red Banner" although the 1st Class is of similar precedence to the Order "Lenin", 2nd Class to the Order "Red Banner" and the 3rd Class to the Order "Red Star". There is no information on the number of these awarded and when but it is highly likely that a small number of these were awarded before the Korean War for participation in the Liberation from the Japanese and also for services in creating the Korean People's Army (The 1948 KPA not the 1932 KPA). The 3rd Class Order is very frequently awarded and has been awarded in the millions whereas the 1st Class is awarded either solo or as a companion to a Hero star. It is probable that for merits prior to and during the Korean War c3000 1st Class, c8000 2nd Class and c40,000 3rd Class Orders were awarded.
This National Flag Order 1st Class is Type 2 Variation 2, A Variation not found in any of the books (Although they are many variations of both Soviet and Non-Soviet produced screwback types). The Order is constructed from plated copper (although this well worn Order has been re-plated probably for parades) and has an exceptionally long screwpost. This is of a non-Soviet production and is numbered. (3150-3199). Probably awarded around 1953.
Here is a National Flag Order 1st Class Type 4 Variation 1. Constructed of plated copper and numbered in the 26300-26350 range. The first 200,000 1st Class Orders were numbered.
Here is the later unnumbered type. At first glance this looks like a Type 4 lacking a serial number but look again. There is an obvious set of tells on the reverse that this is a Type 5.
