When did you start collecting Soviet Awards?

[LavricCat]

I started collecting in 2000, when aquared made in Tula 1941 Tokarev. First was Order of Great Patriotic War II.

[Kirchgoens]

I got started about four months ago at the main bazaar in Tashkent when taken under wing by a very wise and extremely knowledgable collector. I feel my ignorance every day, but I am surprised at how much I've learned. I feel history in every piece I pick up, and being a former later Cold Warrior from the West, being here and seeing this stuff has a very deep meaning for me. It's also really good that I'm still single because no woman would put up with the stuff I buy: a 3d class Order of Glory one day, a 1970's party banner another, a bust or two of Lenin another.

My first purchase? An Order of the Red with about a 1.5 million serial number.

[buellbum]

I'm new to this board and this is my first post. My name is Duane and I'm
very pleased to find this forum. I bought a Russian (Ural) motorcycle in 2005
and became interested in things Russian. I'm prior service and moving in a
military direction seemed natural. My collection has grown rapidly and in my
ignorance I've surely made some unwise purchases, so I expect membership
here will be a great help to me. Thanks for your advise and experience.

[Christophe]

Hi buellbum, Welcome to the Forum!!!! :thumbsup

You have found the right address to be, regarding Soviet awards. Take the time to visit this website and forum; you won't be disappointed.

Cheers.

Ch.

[Stepanovich]

In 2004 following my first trip to St. Petersburg

[Bill Garvy]

Sometime in 2004, can't recall exactly, but I became enamored with the red hat stars and their seemingly infinite variety. One of my collector friends, Richie C., sent me one, and from that point on I was hooked. From there, the transition to Orders of the Red Star, Orders of Glory, Orders of Lenin, was almost effortless. Like other collectors I started with German militaria, mostly Iron Crosses, 1914 and 1939 issues pieces, but compared to the Russian pieces that can be historically documented, the German pieces seem lifeless. Besides, the reproductions were getting better and better, and the prices on authentic pieces more and more expensive and unobtainable, which seems to now be the case with a great many of the Russian pieces we all love to collect, research and discuss.

[Nota Bene]

I have now joined the collecting community

Alexei

[medals73]

I have now joined the collecting community

Alexei

Welcome! While we wish you were still on the other side of the equation, we value your presence . . . anywhwere.

[Nota Bene]

Thank you!

Alexei

[jefflgarrison]

I am completely confused. Alexei, how can you JUST NOW have joined the collecting community? Isn't a dealer a collector who resells things he collects?