So, what is the situation about precious stones of the Order of Victory ?
Sources seem to agree that the rubies are synthetic.
For info, specifically, in the quite comprehensive guide book of the Diamond Fund of Russia (Almazniy Fund) published in 1994, they precise the OoV is made of diamonds, corundum... It is not precised if it is synthetic of "real" corundum...
But what about the diamonds ? No source seems to say thay are not real.
In another booklet guide of the Almazniy Fund, published in 2006, it is said that the Order is made of "diamonds, in gross weight of 16 carats, and rubies".
Moreover the fact that this order is shown there seems to be a proof of its precious content, in my opinion. But, to be frank, I visited the Fund twice last year, and did not see any OoV displayed...
Ch.
PS : I don't either believe a lot in the story of Eisenhower's order being brought by himself to a jewellery shop... :confused:
Interesting comments Marc and Dave. :thumbsup It is clear, in her own words, that the IWM Medals Curator did not express a 100% sure opinion about the conversion sequence.
But, I have now two questions :
1. Has someone already seen an Order of Victory awarded directly on the uniform during teh ceremony ? And specifically for non-Soviet personalities. It seems that the only pics we have show this Order given in a box...
2. Has someone already seen a pic of Eisenhower wearing his Order of Victory ?
If the award ceremony (at least for the non-Soviet awardees) has been done through this manner, i.e. the order given in a box; and if there is no evidence of Eisenhower wearing it; this could explain why Eisenhower has his own still in a box and did not convert it.
Monty had the need to wear his, when he has been received by Stalin in the Kremlin, on 10 January 1947. This could explain why (and when) his Order has been converted in a pinback one.
These pictures would help making an opinion... If you know them, please post.
Just my thoughts.
Monty with Stalin in the Kremlin (10 January 1947).
Ch.
Sources seem to agree that the rubies are synthetic.
For info, specifically, in the quite comprehensive guide book of the Diamond Fund of Russia (Almazniy Fund) published in 1994, they precise the OoV is made of diamonds, corundum... It is not precised if it is synthetic of "real" corundum...
But what about the diamonds ? No source seems to say thay are not real.
In another booklet guide of the Almazniy Fund, published in 2006, it is said that the Order is made of "diamonds, in gross weight of 16 carats, and rubies".
Moreover the fact that this order is shown there seems to be a proof of its precious content, in my opinion. But, to be frank, I visited the Fund twice last year, and did not see any OoV displayed...
Ch.
PS : I don't either believe a lot in the story of Eisenhower's order being brought by himself to a jewellery shop... :confused:
Dave Wrote:(...) As far as Monty's pinback one, I have to think that Lapa is right - it was probably converted to pinback at a later time. Between the British, French and Americans, well over 1000 screwback awards were given out and I think it unlikely that the Soviets would convert one to pinback for Monty because he couldn't figure out how to use a screwback.All of the foreigners who received screwback awards that I talked to all mentioned that they didn't wear them later because they would destroy whatever uniform they were worn on, so it would make absolute sense to convert one to pinback. A US Major General who received the Suvorov 2nd converted his into clutchback after the war, and the photo of that is here on the forum.
Hope that helps! :thumbsup
Dave
Interesting comments Marc and Dave. :thumbsup It is clear, in her own words, that the IWM Medals Curator did not express a 100% sure opinion about the conversion sequence.
But, I have now two questions :
1. Has someone already seen an Order of Victory awarded directly on the uniform during teh ceremony ? And specifically for non-Soviet personalities. It seems that the only pics we have show this Order given in a box...
2. Has someone already seen a pic of Eisenhower wearing his Order of Victory ?
If the award ceremony (at least for the non-Soviet awardees) has been done through this manner, i.e. the order given in a box; and if there is no evidence of Eisenhower wearing it; this could explain why Eisenhower has his own still in a box and did not convert it.
Monty had the need to wear his, when he has been received by Stalin in the Kremlin, on 10 January 1947. This could explain why (and when) his Order has been converted in a pinback one.
These pictures would help making an opinion... If you know them, please post.
Just my thoughts.
Monty with Stalin in the Kremlin (10 January 1947).
Ch.
