Labour Merit Order.

[Taz]

Here is the Order of Labour Merit in Silver (2nd Class)

Eddie.

[vaskereszt]

Hello to all,

Just a short guide to the Order of Labour Merit.

The first pattern (pic 1950) was issued between 1950 and 1953, 1717 orders have been awarded of the four grades (gold, silver, bronze, medal). Name: Magyar Munka Érdemrend (Hungarian Order of Labour Merit) and Magyar Munka Érdemérem (Hungarian Labour Medal).

The second pattern (no pic) was issued between 1953 and 1964, 3220 orders have been awarded. Two versions existed, the first is like the 1950 version, the second like the 1964 version, but their gold colour is brighter. The second pattern had only one grade (gold). Name: Munka Érdemrend (Order of Labour Merit).

The third pattern (pics 1964) was issued between 1964 and 1985, over 100 thousand have been awarded. Three versions existed. The first (pic 1964-1) has an enamel front, the second (pic 1964-2) a plastic front, the third (pic 1964-3) a plastic front and a different back. The first version existed between 1964 and the early 70's, the second between the early 70's and the early 80's, the third in the first half of the 80's. The third pattern had three grades (gold, silver, bronze). Name: Munka Érdemrend (Order of Labour Merit).

The fourth pattern (pic 1985) has a different front and back. This version is typical for the last years of the communist regime: weak economy - bad medals. Their issue boxes are so bad (they are sticky), that it is nearly impossible to find one for a collection. The fourth pattern had three grades (gold, silver, bronze). Name: Munka Érdemrend (Order of Labour Merit).

Hope could help you a little bit. Greetings, Sandor

[vaskereszt]

The backs...

[Taz]

Sandor,

Very nice information!! great work :) There are a few unanswered questions in the Hungarian section maybe you could take a look? A cap badge and a cap posted by Al Muell are still not identified, those are two that spring to mind right now. Thanks in advance

Eddie

[Hunyadi]

I know this is an old post - but there are some key things to see about these awards. First is the early awards of these had 16 rays eminating from the back of the star in the center section. Secondly the Order of Labor was revised in 1954 to have 32 rays, but it was only awarded in one grade - this was gold anodized. Then in 1963 the order was revised again to have the bronze, silver and gold grades. These also have the 32 rays. Then yet again there are several variants to these - this looks to be a 1980's issue convex back which was made of only 2 pieces. The 1963 to 1980's were made from three pieces. Though very common to find today - theye were very coveted awards during their time :thumbsup

[Greg Collins]

An Order of Labour, Bronze grade, doc from 1967:

[Greg Collins]

An Order of Labour, Gold grade, from 1973:

[medals73]

Order of Labor / Munka Erdemrend, silver

Documented, to Takács Jánosnénak, 4 April 1988.

[medals73]

Order of Labor / Munka Erdemrend, bronze

Documented, to Schmidt Ottónak [Otto], 5 October 1989.

[medals73]

Order of Labor /Munka Erdemrend, gold