08-15-2002, 08:34 PM
Hi Mark,
I have just re-started my soviet collection and have some of the same questions like you. Buy the book befor the medal, someone said to me. I would buy the Comprehensive guide to soviet orders and medals, its the best reference I have seen on any subject connected to modern numismatics. I would advice you to buy a beatiful pair of books: Orders and medals of the USSR 1918-1991 by Stanislavovich and Valentinovich. Both reference books have many of the same information, but the latter set also have accurate information about weight of the order/medal.
When it comes to orders and medals I would go for what makes soviet orders and medals quite unique: The possibility to get them researched and get the real story behind every award.
There is many reasonably priced soviet orders and medals that can be researched - and you will get real good stories about really brave men and women. Take the Order of the Red Banner - a nice order, but not my favourite - you will get these for a few dollars. Or the Order of the Red Star - if you find early specimens you will find stories about battlefield glory (not that none of the later specimens also have stories to tell, but they where often given for long service). Or the Order of Glory - one of my favourites, and I am not alone in that regard - always stories of excellent bravery in face of the enemy. The best part is that you often get this order for less than $30. Or the strange Order of the Patriotic War 1st class that will cost you seldom more than $200 - but is part made of gold and therefore have a nice ring to it.
But I would read the reference books first. And browse the various super dealer sites. You will get a picture of what the market is like and what you should pay for various items.
Always have the eye open for bargains - but focus on a special area.
If you have unlimited funds you can of course have the freedom to collect it all...
I have just re-started my soviet collection and have some of the same questions like you. Buy the book befor the medal, someone said to me. I would buy the Comprehensive guide to soviet orders and medals, its the best reference I have seen on any subject connected to modern numismatics. I would advice you to buy a beatiful pair of books: Orders and medals of the USSR 1918-1991 by Stanislavovich and Valentinovich. Both reference books have many of the same information, but the latter set also have accurate information about weight of the order/medal.
When it comes to orders and medals I would go for what makes soviet orders and medals quite unique: The possibility to get them researched and get the real story behind every award.
There is many reasonably priced soviet orders and medals that can be researched - and you will get real good stories about really brave men and women. Take the Order of the Red Banner - a nice order, but not my favourite - you will get these for a few dollars. Or the Order of the Red Star - if you find early specimens you will find stories about battlefield glory (not that none of the later specimens also have stories to tell, but they where often given for long service). Or the Order of Glory - one of my favourites, and I am not alone in that regard - always stories of excellent bravery in face of the enemy. The best part is that you often get this order for less than $30. Or the strange Order of the Patriotic War 1st class that will cost you seldom more than $200 - but is part made of gold and therefore have a nice ring to it.
But I would read the reference books first. And browse the various super dealer sites. You will get a picture of what the market is like and what you should pay for various items.
Always have the eye open for bargains - but focus on a special area.
If you have unlimited funds you can of course have the freedom to collect it all...
Kjetil Kvist
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"The winter annoyed us too."
- Zhukov in his memoirs
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"The winter annoyed us too."
- Zhukov in his memoirs
