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
07-10-2005, 04:22 PM (This post was last modified: 07-10-2005, 04:38 PM by DutchBoy.)
Some further info on this order:
"Urdhëri i Lirisë"
Instituted 1945-1956.
The order can be given to civilians and military personnel for distinguished contributions to the struggle for freedom against the Italian and German occupation in World War 2.
The order has 3 classes, comprising a five pointed, red enameled star, for the 1st class in gold, the 2nd and 3rd classes in silver.
Background has raised rays for the 1st class, and is smooth for the 2nd and 3rd classes.
The central medallion is of silver for all three classes, and shows a symbolic image of a woman breaking the chains which are binding her.
The laurel wreath around the central medallion is in gold for the 1st and 2nd class, and silver for the 3rd class.
The ribbon is red with 1, 2, or 3 white vertical stripes depending on the class of the order.
Here is an early IKOM 1st Class. The 1st Class Order Of Liberty was the highest Order of the PSRA and third highest award (behind the two Hero Titles).
The Order of Freedom was established on October 13, 1945 in three classes as a reward for those who have distinguished themselves through great acts of patriotism and extraordinary merit for the strengthening of socialism.
The first class of the order was the highest order in Albania and ranked below the Hero titles and was awarded to citizens, collectives, governmental organizations, and social organizations that performed acts of great patriotic merit towards the security of liberty and the territory of the nation as well as to those who have performed great services for the Party, nation and the people towards the reinforcement of socialism.
The second class was awarded to citizens, collectives, governmental organizations, and social organizations for proven fidelity and great contribution towards the liberty and independence for the people. It was also awarded for excellent organization and direction in governmental and social sectors and for excellent labor contributions towards productivity in numerous economic sectors as well as scientific research.
The third class was awarded to citizens, collectives, governmental organizations, and social organizations for fidelity and valuable contributions to the people towards freedom and independence. It was also awarded for excellent organization and direction in public and social sectors and for excellent labor contributions towards successful productivity in numerous economic sectors.
All three classes were made of gilt nickel silver, gilt bronze, gilt brass or plain nickel silver or white metal. Badges made by Präwema all exhibit a characteristic raised vertical line on the reverse below the screwpost.
First Class: Gilt pentagonal plaque 44 mm across upon which is a red enameled star, at the center, a separately attached white silver medallion with a figure of Liberty breaking chain surrounded by a stylized gold wreath.
Type 1: Screw back
Var. 1: Made by IKOM
Var. 2: Made by Mennica Państwowa
Var. 3: Made by Präwema
Type 2: Pin back
Var. 1: Made by Präwema
Var. 2: Made in Albania
Second Class: Similar to the 1st class, however, the wreath is gilt and the pentagonal plaque is white silver.
Type 1: Screw back
Var. 1: Made by IKOM
Var. 2: Made by Mennica Państwowa
Var. 3: Made by Präwema
Type 2: Pin back
Var. 1: Made by Präwema
Var. 2: Made in Albania
Third Class: Similar to the 2nd class, however, the entire badge is white silver. The central medallion is grayed silver.
Type 1: Screw back
Var. 1: Made by IKOM
Var. 2: Made by Mennica Państwowa
Var. 3: Made by Präwema
Type 2: Pin back
Var. 1: Made by Präwema
Var. 2: Made in Albania [/SIZE]