A pair of RED STARS...

[Auke]

Exactly. For all the screwback awards in my collection I have used Filer's classification. For the other awards I have used Kuznetsov and Pak's system (ÎÐÄÅÍÀ È ÌÅÄÀËÈ ÑÑÑÐ). It's in Russian, but up to date and with the help of an online dictionary and some patience the system should be understandable.

[Bill Garvy]

Auke, thank you for the link. Believe it or not, my browser's translation program does a pretty good job for the text. The photographs of the different varieties of Red Stars are excellent.

[hassiman]

Here is mine. Can anyone tell me anything about it's date, manufacture or authenticity?

[Bill Garvy]

#2041206, possible November, 1946 long-service award. It appears this Red Star has been polished.

[Auke]

The reverse looks weird but the order is authentic. It was produced in September 1945 by the Moscow Mint.

[Bill Garvy]

I thought so too, Auke. I suspect this example was polished, hence the "weird" appearance to the reverse.

[hassiman]

How expensive are these today? I think I paid $15 for mine... I wear it on my Russian Ushanka cap... probably should not have use silver polish on it..

But oh well....

[Auke]

Nowadays the cheapest Red Stars are about 50 USD.

[Bill Garvy]

Up to two or three thousand U.S. dollars for four digit examples. . .

If you paid only $15, you must have purchased your example some time ago.

Most collectors don't polish their medals and orders, but some do. I simply prefer my medals and orders the way they came.

[darrenj40]

HI i agree with bill, leave them the way they arrive, i like the well worn medals complete with crusty ribbons , but thats just me..



Death solves all problems - no man, no problem.
Joseph Stalin