When are serial numbers applied

[Dante688i]

I agree with Dave that it would be interesting to know what method was used for the stamping . . .

Especially since different orders and medals provide different visual clues:

Some appear to be stamped but the numbers tilted or leaning slightly one way or the oher - wouldn't this suggest the first method of hand "chisels" stamping in individual numbers?

While others that are stamped have the numbers all following a single plane (sometimes in line with the axis of the order, sometimes in "contrary" somewhat diagonal lines) - this would seem to suggest a single press-like operation.

I unfortunately don't have any evidence about the time-line for applying s/n. It is an interesting question:

a) Applied on a blank for ease of stamping and to protect the finished (enameled) order

or

b) Applied on the finished product - this seems to have a lot of credit in that the s/n conveys some importance, it provides a distinct identity to the piece. I wouldn't think you'd do this until you had a complete order.

Well, I hope someone brings up some more ideas / evidence.

-Sean

P.S. Rusty, good idea for a thread.

[Dolf]

I remember seeing an old thread where Rusty posted pictures of the process of manufactering Medals/Orders in Japan, I believe, but can't find it now!
Rusty, can you help to locate it?

As I remember it there are differences between the process of applying the enamel in Japanese manufacturing but maybe there are similarities in the process of applying the S/Ns, so perhaps finding that old thread could help.
Even better, finding the same kind of information about the manufacturing process in USSR would be really great! I wonder if this information would be available somewhere on Internet, with pictures and all that!

I don't know why, it's just a feeling, but as mentioned above it seems to me more logical to stamp/engrave the S/Ns after the Order is completely finished. I guess they certainly would have methods of protecting the enamel on the Obverse from the pression of such operation on the Reverse of the Award.

Just my two cents.

Dolf

[Lapa]

Dolf,

Here is the link: http://www.soviet-awards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370

Marc

[Dolf]

Thank you Marc.

Apparently no mention to the moment when S/Ns are placed in that sequence! Maybe the Japanese don't put S/Ns on their Awards, as is the case for the Portuguese ones!

Anyway, thanks for relocating that great thread. It would be indeed quite interesting if we could find the same kind of pictures to illustrate how this was done in USSR and is probably still done in RF now. I've been doing some research on Internet but couldn't find nothing so far :o

Dolf