National Flag Order 3rd Class.

[CtahhR]

They are coming over the Yalu routinely. I think once a week. The number coming out of the DPRK is tiny to what is in the DPRK and still they pour out. When there is a "free market" throughout Korea these will be available by the tonne. Estimates on the number awarded are continuously being adjusted upward. At least twice as many ONF1 have been awarded as to what was thought this time last year - and they all continue to be awarded.

[CtahhR]

Here is a run-of-the-mill Type 8. Often found in vast numbers. Apart from the better than usual condition what on earth would make me pay double digits for it?

[CtahhR]

Well it was cased....
Along with a few other goodies........

[CtahhR]

The metal of the clasp is extremely soft.

[CtahhR]

The neck suspended Order is identical to the normal issue apart from the pin.

That's the reason I paid double digits (neither being a 9).
The seller wished to get rid of the set as quickly as possible and was completely unwilling to discuss its origin.

[CtahhR]

Here is the ribbon bar.
Due to the vast number of variations of remaining Types of ONF3 it may be a considerable period before I'll have sorted the pile of ONF3s of as yet unposted variations - but they will come.

[charlet]

Originally Posted by CtahhR

They are coming over the Yalu routinely. I think once a week. The number coming out of the DPRK is tiny to what is in the DPRK and still they pour out. When there is a "free market" throughout Korea these will be available by the tonne. Estimates on the number awarded are continuously being adjusted upward. At least twice as many ONF1 have been awarded as to what was thought this time last year - and they all continue to be awarded.

assuming the quantities offered, could we suppose they're awarded to every young Korean at his 18th birthday?

[CtahhR]

I think these are for 5-15 years service to the Army/Party (depending on situation) as well as for other meritorious acts. Very much the same as a 1944-58 Soviet Red Star. I wouldn't be surprised if there were nearly as many of them as of Red Stars but there is considerably less collector demand.
One of the ONF3s I have from 1992 is for work in damming a river - whilst in military service.

I'd have to say the best comparison would be to compare these to Red Stars. For combat during the war and since for meritorious and long service as there are not yet KPA long service Medals (which the USSR got in 1958).

[amdl614]

Difference between Soviet made ribbon bar and North Korean made ribbon bar.

This ribbon bar is for Order of the National Flag(국기훈장) 3rd class. Maybe the other orders and medals will same like this.

Up - Soviet made(50s)
Down - DPRK made

Soviet made ribbon bar is best quality. Made with white metal, like WW2 era Soviet medal suspension or ribbon bar.

I find this Soviet made ribbon bar in Bulgaria. Collectors can find DPRK awards in communist bloc countries, especially who help North Korea during the Korean War. North Korea awarded many orsers and medals for their merit, support and friendship between N.Korea-communist bloc.

[amdl614]

Soviet made Order of the National Flag 3rd class

Awarded to Bulgarian doctor - In 1953. Bulgaria provide medical support to North Korea during Korean war.

Full set with original paper box, Ribbon bar, Screwplate and Document.

Awardee's name and S/N is wrote on original box. This is official writing for award.