Patriotic War.

[Auke]

What a cool "double" starback!

[Alienmaster]

Good evening everyone

I am a new collector; just started out last year. I've been slowly starting to collect Russian medals, so I'm very new to this game.

I've been wondering about the 1985 versions of the Order of the Patriotic War, as my first Russian order was a second class 1985 issue.
Are these orders made to be re-issued to war veterans, or are they specifically made for those that qualify for the award recently? If they are re-issues, what usually happens or happened to the original award?

Also, on a more collector's note, are these awards very high on the list of being faked?

To the owner/owners of the website, thanks for making it so informative and interesting!

[Tretov]

To make it simple - the 1985 jubilee issue was a "thank you, again, really!"-award to the veterans still alive (which at the time was quite many). Depending on what awards the veteran did receive during the war or what achievements was carried out, he/she got either 1st or 2nd class of the jubilee award.

[Alienmaster]

Thank you, Tretov.

I take then that more serious collectors don't see the 1985 issues as anything to be really bothered with?

[Jeffrey Meffert]

Thank you, Tretov.

I take then that more serious collectors don't see the 1985 issues as anything to be really bothered with?

If it exists, somebody collects it. The original issue awards are more finely made but fakes abound, especially when talking about early versions and any kinds of 1st class. My first OPW was a 1985 and I still have it...they are nice to dress up uniforms if you are on a budget.

[Esteban_cool]

That´s right. The 1985 OPW was still nicely made, and- altough the WW2 versions are of a higher quality- they´re easier to get, no fakes (at least I haven´t seen one yet) and they have their charm. Remember that these were given to veterans as a token of appreciation for risking their lives and serving their country in the hardest times.

By the way, I wonder now if the 1985 OPW was to be given posthumously as it was during the war (or to be given or kept by the relatives as a memento)?

[medals73]

They are certainly an integral parts of the groups of GPW participants who received this anniversary award. Unfortunately, the award and the document have often been lost or thrown out. By whom?

[Alienmaster]

They are certainly an integral parts of the groups of GPW participants who received this anniversary award. Unfortunately, the award and the document have often been lost or thrown out. By whom?

I would suspect family members who were hit by the Russian economic depression of the 1990's after the fall of communism. They may have sold the awards, or the awards may have been confiscated by authorities to make up for debts owed.

Another theory could be that the younger generations don't understand or care what their grandfathers and great grandfathers did for them. Really sad. :thumbsdown

[RedBanner1920]

Another theory could be that the younger generations don't understand or care what their grandfathers and great grandfathers did for them. Really sad. :thumbsdown[/QUOTE]

I do know it was common in some areas to melt down for the value of there silver content.

[Alienmaster]

Another theory could be that the younger generations don't understand or care what their grandfathers and great grandfathers did for them. Really sad. :thumbsdown

I do know it was common in some areas to melt down for the value of there silver content.

I wonder how many times this was done out of desperation or just pure greed :(