Soviet book?

[Eric Gaumann]

I'd like to poll those who own " Militärische Auszeicnungen de UdSSR " (1987(?))to see what they think of this book. I already own Schmitt/McDaniel and would like to know how the two compare. Any other info or opinion on the first book would be truly welcomed.

[Mike G.]

I have only one of the two you mention - Militarische Auszeichnungen der UdSSR. So I can't say how one compares to the other. I find it helpful, even though it is written in German. Its probably of more interest to a collector like myself who collects both NVA and some Soviet, that say someone who specializes in Soviet only.

[Eric Gaumann]

Its probably of more interest to a collector like myself who collects both NVA and some Soviet, that say someone who specializes in Soviet only.

Why? Is there a lot of DDR stuff in there? (assuming the "NVA" you refer to is East German Army and not North Vietnamese Army).

I'm looking for a good, solid, Soviet medal reference with lotsa good color pix....like Paul Schmitt's book or 'The Iron Time' sorta thing.

[Mike G.]

Why? Is there a lot of DDR stuff in there? (assuming the "NVA" you refer to is East German Army and not North Vietnamese Army).

I'm looking for a good, solid, Soviet medal reference with lotsa good color pix....like Paul Schmitt's book or 'The Iron Time' sorta thing.

Eric,

The book is published by a German Firm and in my view, incorporates to some degree, a German perspective. And yes, some of the photos do in fact feature NVA (Nationale Volksarmee) members, such as Gen. HOFFMAN.

But, having said that, the book is about Russian Awards and Decorations, and that is what is featured in the book.

[NavyFCO]

Eric-

I own around 250 books on Soviet awards, military history, etc., but I've never heard of the German one that you reference. Honestly, The Comprehensive Guide is the best single book out there. Next, I'd go for Shishov's and Muzalevsky's two volume set "Orders and Medals of the USSR". Beyond that, things are pretty much spotty in quality as far as Soviet awards are concerned.
A few years back I wrote a short review of the available Soviet awards books at the time. Let me see if I can find it.

--Dave

[NavyFCO]

And here's a link for you to my book review. Like I said, it's short, but there haven't really been any more books put out than this, save for an updated AVERS edition.

--Dave

http://www.forvalor.com/Book.htm

[Mike G.]

I'm no expert on the Soviet stuff by any stretch of imagination. But in addition to the German publication about which this thread was initiated, here is another publication that is very inexpensive. It is printed in both Russian and English in the same book, and covers awards and decorations and history therein.

Its simply entitled: Russian and Soviet Military Awards.
There does not appear to be a publication date.
It is by V.A. DUROV.

Here is a photo of front and back.

[Kim J]

The books Dave has mentioned are the best ones. But the Durov book is a great one for beginners or if you just want a cheap book to identify soviet and russian awards. Lots of quality photos and a bit written about the diffrent awards. It's the first one I got myself. Printed in 1990.

/Kim

[NavyFCO]

Can anyone supply some scans of the Militärische Auszeicnungen de UdSSR book? I'd defiantely be interested in seeing a copy and comparing it to the other works out there on Soviet awards.

--Dave

[Mike G.]

Dave,

Don't have a scanner as such, but here is a photo:

[HuliganRS]

That book is for sale on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

[NavyFCO]

Thanks Rusty!

Judging from the pics on the auction, the book looks pretty basic. Can anyone else provide some shots of the inside pages of the book?

--Dave

[Mike G.]

Hi Dave,

I don't have a scanner, and unfortunately the weather here is not cooperating, so I had to shoot these indoors sans no flash. I hope they are adequate. The book in question (My copy published 1986) encompasses medals and badges. There is a preface, some historical references, some expose' on certain officers of prominence (I think they serve as examples); lots of photographs, both in color and black and white, followed by a discertation specific to each medal. Also is a section on how and where to wear the medals and badges on uniforms. I think the book is okay, particularly if you have a comprehension of German. It of course falls short for serious collectors such as yourself, because if only addresses the most common example of each medal/badge. But I believe for what it is, it is decent, particularly for the beginning/intermediate collector. I wish this book, and its East German NVA counterpart were translated in English.

Here are several photos to give you an overall perspective of the book.

[Mike G.]

More listings of the medals that are addressed in the book.

[Mike G.]

Last page on intro of medals that are in the book. This should give you some idea of the medals that the book encompasses. It covers in my opinion, a decent percentage of them.