DPRK Prices "How Much To Pay".

[CtahhR]

Good luck!
So far I have found that all the dealers (or at least all the dealers I have ever communicated with) have some understanding of English. Mind you since I don't write Mandarin that is the only way I can communicate with them.
A good tip is to look for Coin/Stamp dealers. They usually have DPRK items under the counter.
Strangely enough contrary to the Coin/Stamp dealers that may pick up awards in the process - whilst collecting DPRK awards I've also had coins and stamps come in too. The coins (made for circulation) are also very light. The stamps are almost universally made "cancelled to order" so I have refined my collecting of them to pre-1960.

If it is Soviet made items you are looking for (which cuts the field down to a few early Orders and Titles) a great percentage of them were awarded to the internationalists that came to help in the early 1950's. These can be found splashed over the former communist nations of Eurasia but caution must be taken as I have seen various cases of DPRK awards being used to make up fantasy groups (and at extraordinary prices). Buying the Soviet made awards is the only sure way not to be disappointed by poor quality. One of my most belovéd pieces out of the entire collection is an early http://soviet-awards.com/forum/sovie...tml#post163884that has been worn to a satin finish on the reverse. An item that just needs to be touched. I can even be so bold as to say I prefer it over any of the Red Stars (comparable award in rank and production) in the collection. I think it set me back $20 (compare that to the cost of a 19## numbered Red Star). It would be a dream to have research on it - in my top ten list of "Dream Research" (along with the 1## numbered Hero Of Labour).

[meyerse]

Talked to my friend from China (who has no interest in militaria!) to get some proper search terms in Mandarin. Started browsing sites. He will help me make contact should I find good leads.

I'll note that a screw back of a national flag 3rd class went for over $90 delivered on ebay this week and a horizontal pin of the same went for about $30. These prices are significantly above our discussion.

some of the 3rd class can be had in volume for under $6 delivered, so clearly if one were to find a independent supplier they could be had for probably much less.......

Still no luck on a contact but I'll report back after some coordination with my friend...

Will try to put some ''lines in the water'' this week.

[meyerse]

Dead ends but admittedly I've had two international moves in less than two years. When looking I've had no luck.

[CtahhR]

Personally I've been finding that awards are being offered in larger and larger number. Rather than singles or doubles or common awards items are now offered in 5s, 10s or more.

I was offered a few hundred ONF3 as a single lot but they wanted double what I was willing to pay. I don't think they are many collectors (or even dealers) willing to purchase hundreds of more common items in a single purchase so they will have to either trickle onto the market over the next few years or simply flood it.

There are always DPRK items offered for sale on the market and if they price isn't right they just don't move. The dealers offering these items though have a constant supply inwards and if stock is not going out when are they going to let the excess overflow?

I have a feeling some dealers will be taking a loss on DPRK items before it is all said and done.

[CtahhR]

You certainly wouldn't envy the stories behind the supply... and you very much have to leave your emotion with your hat and coat at the door. A lot of information will be made more public one day but not for the foreseeable future unfortunately. When the main supply is based in Pyongyang and not the far north of Korea everyone will be able to fill their boots with everything they could dream of.

Some very unscrupulous dealers and now putting Orders and Medals in cases to temporarily inflate the prices whilst they can. DO NOT fall for this trick.

The attached picture is what I have to say about the rarity of cases to DPRK awards. This is one of two boxes which are both full and then I have some more knocking about. Cases for everything from Hero Stars to the most frequently seen Commemoratives.

The box is a USPS Priority Mail Box about 14" wide and there are smaller cases in the larger cases.