Albania Communist Era Red Star Medal – Medalja “Ylli i Kuq”
Offered is a vintage Albanian Red Star Medal (Medalja “Ylli i Kuq”), an original-style decoration associated with the communist-era award system of the People's Republic / People's Socialist Republic of Albania.
The Red Star was an important Albanian socialist-era military decoration. The original Order of the Red Star was established on 20 November 1952. On 18 January 1965, the decoration was reorganized into three classes, and a separate Medal of the Red Star (Medalja “Ylli i Kuq”) was introduced at the same time.
The medal is associated with Albania's armed forces and broader socialist-era national defence award system. It is an interesting collectible for those specializing in Communist Albania, Enver Hoxha-era memorabilia, Albanian military decorations, Cold War awards, Balkan militaria and Eastern European medals.
Item FeaturesCountry: Albania
Decoration: Medal of the Red Star
Albanian name: Medalja “Ylli i Kuq”
Period: Communist / Socialist Albania
Introduced: 1965
Design: Red five-pointed star motif
Construction: Brass / metal with red enamel, consistent with documented examples
Size: Approximately 32 mm if matching the documented medal type
Ribbon: Included if shown in photographs
Reverse: Plain on the documented medal type
Maker: Unknown unless a maker's marking is visible
Exact production date: Unknown
Reference material describes the separate Medal of the Red Star as a 32 mm round brass medal with a large red-enamelled star, with a plain reverse.
Historical BackgroundThe Red Star was part of the extensive decoration system created by socialist Albania. The original order was established in 1952 and was awarded for military and defence-related service, including contributions to Albania's defensive capabilities and acts of leadership or valour. Following the 1965 reorganization, the Order of the Red Star had three classes, while the separate Red Star Medal was created for a lower-level award category.
This makes the medal particularly interesting to collectors of Albanian communist memorabilia, Cold War militaria, socialist awards and Balkan historical artifacts.
ConditionVintage condition with normal signs of age, storage and previous handling.
The medal may show surface wear, patina, discoloration or minor imperfections to the metal and enamel consistent with age.
Please examine all photographs carefully, including the front, reverse, ribbon and suspension. The photographs form part of the description and show the exact item being offered.
Important Identification NoteThis listing is for the Medal of the Red Star, not the larger three-class Order of the Red Star, unless the physical characteristics of the item indicate otherwise.
The post-1965 Order of the Red Star is approximately 44 mm across and was produced in three classes with different metal finishes, while the separate Red Star Medal is documented at approximately 32 mm.
If the measurements or construction of the actual item differ, please rely on the photographs and physical characteristics when determining the exact variant.
Sold as pictured. The exact medal shown is the medal the buyer will receive. Carefully packed for shipping.
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