09-30-2002, 04:59 PM
Alexei,
I’ve heard of this “Chelyabinsk Tractor Factory” theory. However, it’s not supported by any documents. As far as I know, the most serious collectors and researches in Russia do not support this theory either. There is just no evidence. If you compare scan posted by me a few months early, you will notice big difference in the quality of the job. There were noticed different types and variations of OPW 1st and 2nd classes with replaced H&S. The different time intervals (serial numbers) of issue as well as different quality of the job allow to say no way these orders were manufactured at the mint. Durov, who has access to documents regarding manufacturaning of soviet awards, expressed the same opinion. The explanation is simple: when H&S were detached (intentionally or not) the easiest way was to replace them by piece from uniform star.
I’ve heard of this “Chelyabinsk Tractor Factory” theory. However, it’s not supported by any documents. As far as I know, the most serious collectors and researches in Russia do not support this theory either. There is just no evidence. If you compare scan posted by me a few months early, you will notice big difference in the quality of the job. There were noticed different types and variations of OPW 1st and 2nd classes with replaced H&S. The different time intervals (serial numbers) of issue as well as different quality of the job allow to say no way these orders were manufactured at the mint. Durov, who has access to documents regarding manufacturaning of soviet awards, expressed the same opinion. The explanation is simple: when H&S were detached (intentionally or not) the easiest way was to replace them by piece from uniform star.












