Since the seller has no idea what this is other than it's "old" and Armenian and it is an "as is" sale, I had to see if anybody knows anything about this amazingly preserved order. It looks to me like the Armenian Red Banner Order of Labor (in absolutely amazing condition for it's "age"), but I'm not at home and near any reference material.
I know the pictures suck, and there were plenty of them, but these are the best.
That is a Chinese copy. I'm not sure if they are made to deceive or not. I hope not as they are just awful as far as quality is concerned. Take note of the suspension as it's totally typical of poor, Chinese copies.
Maybe they are made as tourist trinkets? Or is it a subtle, communist plot to rule the decadent, Western collector's world? I'm not sure except for one thing; it's crap.
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'
EricFG Wrote:That is a Chinese copy. I'm not sure if they are made to deceive or not. I hope not as they are just awful as far as quality is concerned. Take note of the suspension as it's totally typical of poor, Chinese copies.
Maybe they are made as tourist trinkets? Or is it a subtle, communist plot to rule the decadent, Western collector's world? I'm not sure except for one thing; it's crap.
G'day Eric,
While I do not dispute your assertion that this is a Chinese copy I would be grateful to know what hard evidence you have to back up your declaration regarding the origin of this curiosity. I note your comment regarding the suspension but have you personally seen an ad for this copy from a Chinese vendor or know someone who has? The reason I ask is that just last week I picked up one of these very crude copies in an antique store in a remote country town in the the middle of Victoria, Australia. Of course, I recognized it as the remarkably crude copy it is at once but my curiosity was aroused and I wondered why it had been made and where it had come from, when and how had it ended up where I found it. Naturally, there's no way of ever knowing the "when" and "how". So, I bought it in the hope that someone on the fourm could shed some light on it. Although it is obviously a crudely made copper copy it shows genuine signs of considerable age. Then, when I finally sit down to post my copy here I find that it has already been posted and summarily dismissed without any serious comment or discussion. Anyway, here's the example of this copy that I picked up. If anyone has any factual information or serious comment about it I will be most thankful to receive it. Thanks.
I like the (brass?) copy myself. It's an ugly duckling, but there's something appealing about it. As to origin, definitely Chinese as that suspension/pin is typical of Chinese medals..
Pobeda45 Wrote:I like the (brass?) copy myself. It's an ugly duckling, but there's something appealing about it. As to origin, definitely Chinese as that suspension/pin is typical of Chinese medals..
George
Thanks George. I know absolutely nothing about Chinese medals.
