Inherited collection including Order of Lenin, etc.

**regretnothing** · 07-31-2019, 03:23 PM

Hey all, I inherited a pretty large collection of USSR medals and orders.
It's mostly bought of the streets in the baltic states in the late 80's and early 1990's.
I realize it's a huge job to evaluate the genuinity and value of all the medals, especially when you're new to this game.
I have checked out a couple of the sites mentioned in some other threads here, but can't still be sure.

Anyways, I have this Order of Lenin, if anyone has any pointers on how to see if it's genuine I'd be really happy.

If it's genuine, it looks like it's a Type 4, Option 1, Variety 1?

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 07-31-2019 03:23 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Bill Garvy** · 07-31-2019, 03:57 PM

Based solely on your photographs, I would agree, however I think the suspension and ribbon have been replaced. The forum does not provide valuation services, sorry.

**Watchdog** · 07-31-2019, 04:43 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I am not getting a good feeling about this one I am afraid. but to be certain I think better close up high resolution images are required.

Firstly this would not be a type 4 rather it would be a type 5 circular variation 1.

However, the overall detail seems a bit weak to me and the Lenin profile looks somewhat pointed.

The Lenin circular motif should be a separate disc made of platinum (earlier types were of silver) and the background should be blue-ish enamel. This one looks to be an integral part of the medal. If it were a separate piece it would be attached to the main medallion by three rivets clearly discernible as such on the reverse but these look as if they are not actually rivets and the mint mark seems out of position in relation to them. I think the third letter of the first word should be in line with the bottom left rivet. Also, the reverse does have a kind of "vague" look typical of casting. In particular the serial number seems to be integral to the casting rather than sharply stamped into a finished piece. The number also seems to be a little crooked when it should be at 12 o'clock and level (that cold be the pictures of course).

An original being made of platinum and 950/1000 gold is easily verified by a jeweller and most fakes are made of something other than precious metals. If the correct gold and platinum were used to produce a fake I would expect a very high standard of reproduction in order for it to be viable.

Don't dismiss it just on my opinion but wait for others from those who really specialise in these orders but based on these pictures this is not for me.

Regards

Mark
PS Do let us see the other items.

**Leaftree** · 08-01-2019, 02:33 AM

Would definitely like to see some better pictures of the OL...and then some others.

**Marcel Banziger** · 08-01-2019, 05:50 AM

Can't comment on the Lenin, no experience with these. But I am curious to see what else is in this large collection

**regretnothing** · 08-01-2019, 06:59 AM

Thanks for the replies, it's highly appreciated.
I took some better pictures of the OL, but haven't uploaded yet.

I'd say it's about 200 medals/orders, but there's probably 2-3 lots of 15-20pcs of the same medal.
I have yet to find the names and categorize all of the pieces.

I've attached some photos of some other pieces.

**Leaftree** · 08-02-2019, 03:37 AM

From what I can see, they look good. Interesting that the Order of Glory III #38 (serial number 306586)has been marked by the vet on the reverse side- letters on all arms of the star...and I think in the circle as well.

Using the Mondvor web site as a source.

ОРДЕНА СССР

Google translate is recommended.

**AZPhil** · 08-02-2019, 03:54 AM

#12 the Order of the Badge of Honor awarded to civilians for achievements in multiple fields of art, technical developments and more.
I only know this one because it was in an antique store in Flagstaff while visiting the Grand Canyon and I looked it up.
The guy wanted way to much and when I saw it was not war related I passed. over a million were awarded.

Order of the Badge of Honour - Wikipedia

Semper Fi
Phil

**Marcel Banziger** · 08-02-2019, 05:26 AM

Item # 18 Order of Red Banner. Connecting ring has been cut which usually means the suspension has been replaced. Order is made by the Krasnokamsk Mint. It does look like something has been scratched away underneath the mint name.

Item # 38: Order of Glory III class. Suspension has been replaced. Nice that the awardee scratched his name/initials.

Item # 37: Order of Glory III class. Ribbon has been replaced. Postwar awarded. I guess for wounds received during the war.

Item # 30: Order of Red Star made by the Moskow Mint. Probably awarded early 1944.

I can't comment on originality on # 12 and # 15.