EK versus Red Star versus ... ?

[Scout]

We all know what most think of the EK from both a design and desirebility POV.
I think the Order of The Red Star comes in a close second if not better!
The decoration is very good looking in all its simplicity. A clean and simple yet effective design. Less is more!
The quality is very high - the decoration has to be held in the hand to believe it. It has quite a bit of heft to it.
What is your view on this and are there other contenders for the 'Best Looking Decoration' out there?

(Although German, Fritz approves of this message!)

[GIZMO8Z]

Hi Scout,

Although I do not yet have an EK1 in my collection (I REALLY WANT ONE!), I do agree that the ORS does have a certain allure to it! To me, the silver on red really pops... and it really is amazing that they can be researched in detail via the serial number. I would consider EKs kind of cold and impersonal, yet very badass. I consider Red Stars very personal.

[Bill Garvy]

They both look great, but where I think the Red Star has a "leg-up", so to speak, is the fact that each of them are numbered. This allows/enables, in most cases, a collector to obtain specific archival documentation of the facts relative to its confirmation.

The Iron Cross does not possess that feature. Although there are Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class documents to an individual, and the document may, in fact, come with an Iron Cross, there is no way of determining with an degree of scientific certainty that this cross and this document are indeed a matched set. I have yet to see any Iron Cross citations detailing the brave act(s) undertaken to be conferred such an award.

[ObKrieger]

If we are talking about pure aesthetics here...

The EK makes me think of nationalist socialism, German heritage, and the days of the Teutonic knights. When I look at a Red Star, I think of communism, Soviet nationalism, and pretty much nothing else. The Red Star was a relatively new symbol of Russia at the time, whereas the iron cross went back for quite some time. Although it's funny to note that whereas Germans were interested in their heritage and keeping things German, the Soviets only cared about propagating their communist image. Why else would they put their motto, "Workers of the World, unite!" on a bravery decoration? To the Soviets, economics and bravery went hand in hand and that really shows in their awards as well.

They are both beautiful, although I think that the EKI should have had a ribbon, and that the EKII should have been a badge.

[VolksJager]

I agree completely. Having had both I do sit on the side of the red star. The colour, the size, and being able to research the award give it the win. I sold an ek2 (my last one) on the weekend and didn't even flinch, yet I couldn't bring myself to take even one of my 3 stars.

Jason

[Adrian Stevenson]

Both are truly iconic designs.

I just like the fact you can research an Order of the Red Star.

Cheers, Ade.

[Paul D]

The personal aspect of the Red Star makes it an item very important to the Red Army Veteran , having known and interviewed many German Veterans the actual physical award of the EK I or II is not that important , the award document which has there name on is more valued than the medal itself as the document is the proof of their bravery and / or service and a link to their forefathers who also won the EK going back to it's constitution in 1813 !!

cheers

Paul

[Woolgar]

Although I dont collect Soviet awards, I have to say they are of the most attractive designs and I appreciate their purpose and poignancy. They always impress me when I see them and I know I would delight in collecting them!

Black Cross or Red Star ?...... Black Cross !

Nick

[Adrian Stevenson]

Black Cross or Red Star? Well Nick ........

[big ned]

So that's what's under your side cap......