81543 - 6th Army (6th Army staff flight)
82155 - Central Front (Group of Guards Mortar Units)
82765 - Western Front (213th Night Bomber Div)
82768 - Western Front (213th Night Bomber Div)
I have noticed more than one seller fraudulently offering Red Stars (and Red Banners and For Combat Merits) that have been researched by serial and the award card returns a double awarding of the award in question. Since it's this thread lets say a Red Star. So Comrade X's record card comes back after a Red Star has been researched by the dealer. Comrade X was awarded 2 Red Stars. Let's say #1 was awarded by ukaz in 1942 for some brave feat (you could add the word Stalingrad if you like) that has all the appeal to collectors and #2 was awarded in 1956 for 15 years service (mainly behind a desk).
The record card lists an array of awards, Red Star #1, Red Star #2, For Combat Merits, VOG, etc.
Red Star #2 is a 15 year long service award - no result on "the site". So since a Red Star citation can be found that matches the recipient, Red Star #2 is fraudulently sold as Red Star #1. Look the name on the paperwork matches! It may do but the Ukazes don't.
Some poor folks have been seriously overpaying for Red Stars they believe were awarded for some feats of bravery but were in fact awarded for 15 years service.
I still can't really picture the type of fraud you're describing... The high serial number would be a clear sign that the star in question actually wasn't awarded in 1942. Plus, the record card lists two Red Stars - the one that is being sold, with a 1956 award date, and a star with a 1942 serial number and award date. How does he convince the buyer that the 1942 citation and the 1956 star go together? Not sure how the seller would explain that.
No doubt praying on the ignorance of beginners. Some people also only see what they want to see.
I've seen examples where the recipient received two or more Red Stars and sometimes multiple citations are available and the "sexiest" is always presented. I've also seen examples where someone with the same name but in a more appealing position has been used. I've seen Red Star citations from 1943. 1944, 1945, 1948 all being put together with 15 year long service Red Stars (definitely long service and not catch up due to the record card indicating the Ukaz awarding). Those just starting out may not be informed enough to realise that they are being taken for a ride.
Having the complete set of documents with all the information is the best way to know just what is what. Sometimes the citation is not enough, the full text of the Prikaz or Ukaz and record card all have to be used together.
Sort of like "I researched this Red Star by serial number and it indicates that #33##### was awarded to Ivan Ivanov (not mentioning it was awarded by Ukaz in December 1956). Here is a citation to the Heroic Ivan Ivanov for a Red Star saying he was awarded a Red Star for being a sniper in Stalingrad (not mentioning it was to another Ivan Ivanov by Prikaz in 1943). Bid with confidence!"
There are some really greedy liars out there. Have real (unappealing) items and misinformation then add a few shill bids and someone gets carried away. An unfortunate fall to reality will come with time though.
