Red Star #3020173 Need verifying!

[JoseJ]

I've spotted this Red Star at the local flea market.Is it original?

[HoundsTooth]

I believe this may be a duplicate award - that is an award that then has the serial number applied to presumably replace a previous award.
With these types of duplicates, if there was an existing serial number it was ground down and then the relevant serial number was written by hand or by machine in place.
Or, as I think the case is here, the award was blank so the serial number was written in.
For reference: The History of the Order of the Red Star, by Michael Riley
I believe the serial number would indicate 1952 issue.

Anyone please correct me if I have made an erroneous assumption.

I like the award - these always look good IMO.
I'm assuming it was not too expensive either.

Nick

[Marcel Banziger]

I don't think this is a duplicate with a grounded off serial number. To me this is a Type 6 variation 10.2 with for this type typical serial # plus makermark and is dated around 1950-1952. These stars usually are quite cheap.

See: http://www.odysseus1.freeyellow.com/odysseus/rs.htm

[HoundsTooth]

Thank you Marcel - that is an excellent reference site.
I agree that this award does not look like it has had a serial number removed which was one thing I was somewhat confused about.
I think you are right on the money with the type.

Jose - As a comparison, my 1944 Red Star was £65. So this should be less money.

Nick

[Marcel Banziger]

Yeah, these go for around $ 30, depending of course where you buy. In eastern Europe you could pay even less and in the US you can easily pay double.

[JoseJ]

Thank you all for the Help and the useful links you guys gave me!
Thank god I didn't really buy it for the price the seller was offering.

[Marcel Banziger]

Now I wonder what his asking price was. Do you mind telling us?

[JoseJ]

The price he was offering was 51 British pounds (250 plns).

[Marcel Banziger]

For the same price you have a nice wartime one.

[JoseJ]

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