Russian Fake.

[Chris Boonzaier]

And sold as such !! http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...tem=1022673473
Does anyone know what this would have been awarded for ?

[K Rosemann]

Chris:

It never was awarded. Their were 30 3 time winners, and 4 4 time winners, but no record indicates a 5 times winner.

Kevin

[Bob Hritz]

In Europe, I was offered Soviet medals by the trunkful. $5 across the board for the standard common medals and the gold orders were $30% over scrap. I think 95% of all the Soviet awards coming to the US are new fakes. There were plenty of the award booklets too, all ready to add the numbers and names.
Bob Hritz

[Ken Jasper]

According to "the bible" on Soviet Orders and Medals by Paul McDaniel and Paul J. Schmitt, the only original, observed Order of the Red Banner with number "5" is serial numbered 92, so at least one was issued. The Order of the Red Banner is the oldest Soviet Order. It was established as an award for special bravery, self-sacrifice, and courage displayed in the defense of the Soviet homeland. It was awarded to servicemen of the Army, Navy, Border Guards and Internal Security, employees of the KGB and other citizens of the USSR, military units and military ships. The Order of the Red Banner was also awarded to foreigners. The most infamous foreign receipient to my knowledge was Aldrich (Rick) Ames, the infamous KGB mole in the CIA who was arrested in 1994 and is currently serving a life sentence in prison. The dealer selling this particular item is an honorable man.

[paddywhack]

one thing that worrys me about this medal is the area around the 279 it WAY darker then the rest of the medal so this to me suggest some foul play!!! also the fact that the seller says its a fake helps abit to!!!!!
such is life though!!!!!!!!!!

[Chris Boonzaier]

Is he really ?
Maybe he has a reputation he cant afford to damage, but why does he not have "copy" engraved, instead of hinting, it could be sold for real ?

If it were a German dealer saying "as good as an original... noone can tell" we would be verbally skinning him alive...

[Ken Jasper]

Yes, he is. My judgement is based on numerous dealings I have had with him over the past six years.