07-10-2015, 06:59 PM
KjetilK Wrote:Good, bad?
Better to ask before bidding.
OK, out of boredom, I went to the auction site and found the HSU you are interested in. Are you bidder 0***. (19)? Don't answer that! I see it had a couple of people start bidding up the auction, then dropped out, and now, this is a battle between two neophytes 0***. and c***r (20). There are always snipers waiting at the very end! I guarantee you that!!
In checking this out, if it is a fake, then it is a damn good one! The stipling and patina seems right on, as well as other items which I won't discuss here which will help the fakers. The serial number matches the name of the recipient. All the dings and scratch and pitting are consistent with others I have seen.
I wish I knew more about the suspension part. It looks good, but once again, without comparing it side by side with an original, I just can't be 98% certain.
I am puzzled by the position of the 4 digit numbers...the numbers themselves are in the same style as others I have seen...I know of one HSU which is No.1392 and the position of this is not in the same exact level as 1256. Very slightly different. That's the only thing that glared out at me. I'm still learning about HSUs, but I have seen enough fakes to spot the obvious ones. The size of the numbers for Type 1s differs from Type 2s.
If you are going into the area of high end orders and medals, it is very important for you to get a copy of Paul McDaniel/Paul Schmitt's book called THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SOVIET ORDERS AND MEDALS.
I wish I knew who the dealer is. I have a vague idea. The guy I am thinking of is a good guy.
And no, I am NOT going to bid, but I will keep my eye on this one to see if it goes for over $7000.
Good luck and always do your homework.
