Some of My Romanian Collection

[John F.]

John,

Gorgeous stuff!!! Can I assume you were able to "get in" before the prices escalated?

Yep, I picked most of it up back in 2003-2005 when prices were low. I don't think I paid over $50 for any of my items pictured. Wish I would have picked up more.

If you ever want to part with that cased Medal for Distinguished Services in Defense of the Social Order and the Country let me know...that's a sweat looking award.

[Greg Collins]

Romania's Fire Brigade was part of the military from it's inception (1842) until 2005. It was an integral part of the Internal Ministry during the Communist period (1947-1989), as was the Militia (Police), Security Troops and the Securitate. The members were known, both individually and collectively, as "Pompieri". The following are a few items in my collection.

First, the Fire Brigade badge- very similar to the Military Academy badge both in size and design, although it has a standard pin back rather than a full-closure pin back. The central emblem shows a Firefighter subduing a Turkish soldier... on 13 September 1844, the Fire Brigade in Bucharest was mobilized, in it's military role, to repel invading Turks- this also accounts for the dates on the badge... also the badge was issued in 1988; close to the end of the regime. Note the Fire Brigade emblem at the bottom- this will be repeated on the shoulderboards.

[Greg Collins]

Also included here with the badge is a very small image (only one I could find) of Lt. Col. (later Col.) Marian Stan of the Bucharest Fire Brigade. You can just see the badge above his right pocket. This badge is quite rare (perhaps because of the late date of issue)- I have only seen it as you see it here... in my collection and in the photo. Also, I have no idea why it was awarded- maybe as a command designation for higher ranks?

[Greg Collins]

Here is an RSR (1965-1989) badge for "Leader in Guarding Against Fire"- an outstanding Firefighter. Standard pin back, bronze with enamel. Note the lack of State seal... while the RPR version of the same award did have the "red star with blue dot and RPR on it" at the top, the RSR version, as seen here, had no such designation. This pin dates from the '70's/'80's.

[Greg Collins]

Finally, several shoulderboards. The ranks are, from left to right, Sergent Major (Staff Sergeant), Plutonier (Sergeant First Class), Maior (Major) and Colonel (same). Note that the Pompieri emblem on the boards (epoleti) are two-toned (gold and silver) for the enlisted (or "other") ranks and gold for officers. They are in the distinct colours for Pompieri- maroon trimmed in black.

[Greg Collins]

Nearly forgot one of the most important aspects of this part of the collection- the medal. The "Struggle against Fire" (or guarding against fire) Medal (Medalia "Pentru paza contra incendiilor") was first first issued in 1955. It is the only medal purely for Firefighters. There are two versions- an RPR (1955-1965) and an RSR (1965-1989). As you can see, this is the RSR version. The only difference between the two are the initials of the State. This medal, in either version, is considered rare.

[Greg Collins]

A detail of the front...

[Greg Collins]

A detail of the back...

[Greg Collins]

This is not, in and of itself, a rare award by any means (the RPR version I posted awhile back is much rarer and it still ain't that rare), but to find an RSR Order of Labour 3rd Class in it's entirety- document in holder, order in box with ribbon- is still something of a find. This particular award was given in '66.

[Greg Collins]

A close-up of the document, or Brevet...

[Greg Collins]

The box lid...

[Greg Collins]

The Order and ribbon bar in box...

[Greg Collins]

A close-up of the Order front...

[Greg Collins]

And back...

[John F.]

Greg,

Very nice. Can you tell if that is Nicolae Ceausescu's signature on the document (Brevet) ?