08-05-2005, 01:26 AM
DutchBoy Wrote:Mark and Ron,Hi,
Thanks for your insightful replies. I had also thought that the serial number was stamped earlier in the production of this piece and after that the stick pin was soldered on. Alternatively, I had heard about conversions to pinback from screwbackalso, and I think I see some evidence of that.
For a serial number this low, I believe the centre medallion should show 6 torches instead of 5.
A famous NJ dealer has one of these for sale that has the same situation. One number on the left side of the stick pin clasp, and two on the other side. It is being sold as a 3 digit serial number (it does have 6 torches however). Maybe the mystery continues....
I would have to offer the opinion that it is not realistic that a six torch piece (which is a later issue for sure) can have a three digit serial number. Notwithstanding how someone else is describing or selling such a piece I would tend to be very leary of such a thing and pass on it if it is called a "low number". The piece you have shown us though, is an interesting conversion and has a place in a collection because it has to have been done by the original owner of the piece the pin and clasp are of the type seen on pinback Orders of Labour and several other Yugoslavian badges. The pinbacks of the Order of the Brotherhood are usually the double pin type. And these are mostly on the late issue six torch variants.
