Glory.

[olezha11]

This is rare variation. Serial number range 719000-728000. Don't sell it.
Oleg

[Nota Bene]

Gentlemen,

It's not a rare variation, it's just a variation.

Alexei

[Mozzabloke]

Eric - Yes its raised although its hard to see on the scan.

Oleg - Where did you get the details for the variation range from?
All 3 seem to fit into the range you quoted.

Alexei - Have you seen many of these and if so do they seem to fit into Oleg's range?

Thanks

Mark

[Nota Bene]

Mark,

I believe the range information is from Mondvor website. I think I have probably seen a dozen or so of them.

Alexei

[JensF.]

Looks like a fine thin variation 2 of the 2. Class. Any opinions? When was it awarded with the number 7943?

Thanks!

No signs of a removed number/upgraded 3. class. The thickness of the order is about 1 mm!

Medaillon closeup. Its hard to tell if the part with the enamel damage was gold plated.

Closeup of the serial. Is the space between the "7" and the "9" ok?

[yolkin]

I do not like the numbers, but they do not look like they were messed with... The medal looks generally VERY worn... Though the gold on the medallion looks ok with the high points worn off...

Eric

[olezha11]

I say it's OK. If it was a 3rd class, gold plating would be applied on top of the worn details.

[Nota Bene]

Gentlemen,

I have my doubts about the serial number but without examining it in person I can't tell for sure if it was messed up indeed.

As for the worn gold, the bad guys are one step ahead of us - just gold-plate a worn medal and then polish it with steel-wool to remove gold from all worn areas. The trick is to look for some small dents and see if there is any gold in them.

Alexei

[JensF.]

You mean dents and scratches without gold plating?

[Tal Inbar]

No, dents and scratches WITH gold plating.
Picture courtesy - Nota bene;)