Help with Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class

[Tim B.]

I could use some expert opinions here on a recent pick up.

I have a few different stars and just received this one today. Unfortunately, it arrive a bit damaged due to poor packing and I may return it, but it did get me looking a lot closer at it upon receipt.

I am wondering now, if the star might have been refinished and or re serial numbered and will post some close ups for examination by those that know more than I do on these awards. If more information is needed, let me know.

Many thanks beforehand for any help!
Tim

Front:

[Tim B.]

The first, and foremost concern came when I noticed what appeared to be flash or resin in the recess of the sword. Looking through the loop, I see it appears to be some type of lacquer. Never seen this before and it made me question if the finish had been recently redone and a lacquer applied to seal it. Thoughts??

[Tim B.]

The gold color is pretty true to life (in hand). Here's a closer look at the lacquer.

[Tim B.]

My next concern, if you can call it concern, centers around the serial number and the way it is engraved. I really don't know what is correct and thought maybe someone might be able to look at the engraving style and tell if it's original or currently applied?

[Tim B.]

The weight on this one is:

without screw disk: 27.3 grams
with screw disk: 40.0 grams

Oh, the only damage is really just a bent screw post that got bent in the mail due to not using enough packing material. I may be able to straighten it but, if this piece is suspect, I'll just send it back.

Again, appreciate any help here.
Tim

[paddywhack]

well this is 1985 re-issue for the 50 anniversary of the great patriotic war, i believe veterans got the gold 1st class and people who lived through it got the silver or 2nd class, dont think its been re-lacquered,there were millions of these made so it could just been well kept piece!it is not how ever a war time piece, was it bought as such?

[STEBALIN]

Yes, as paddy says this is a very common and not expensive piece, made in 1985 for the 40th jubilee of WWII. Wartime specimens are very expensive and nowadays they should be looked with some suspicion for there are a lot of fakes floating around.

Yours is original, if sold as a 1985 issue.

[Tim B.]

Hi guys,

Thanks, no it was just listed as a 1st class award of the Order of the Patriotic War; understand it's from the mass jubilee run in 1985, I just wanted one that really had the gilding still present. I have two others but the gilding has faded somewhat (pictured below) and this one was numbered under the half-million mark.

I have started to see an abundance of these on ebay of late and worried that some enterprising individual might have started gilding these.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease, I think the 3rd Reich area of collecting is causing me more paranoia than need be in other areas.

Thanks again!
Tim

Here's my other two:

1265371

[Tim B.]

1264133

[Darrell]

Hi Tim,

IMO nothing to worry about. I have a 1st and 2nd Class that are in perfect shape. Some are in worn condtion, others not. Probably due to whether they were worn or not.

[paddywhack]

yup iv a 1st class that is in pretty worn conditions but then iv seen ones like yours that in mint condition! more likely is was issued but never worn! oh and yes it was the 40th anniversary not the 50th!!! sorry!!

[Tim B.]

Thanks again guys! Now I just have to carefully straighten the post a bit.

I may try to get one of the WWII issues later on, not sure as I really only wanted a couple of stars for the collection. There is an old WWII air gunner badge that I would love to have but, you never see them.
Tim

[Eric Gaumann]

My next concern, if you can call it concern, centers around the serial number and the way it is engraved.
I really don't know what is correct and thought maybe someone might be able to look at the engraving style and tell if it's original or currently applied?

This piece shows the standard style for the '85 issues.
It was done with a rotating tool (as opposed to being hand-engraved).
All the '85s have that same style, with the line underneath as well.
Tim, I think that's a great piece.

Oh, and excellent images BTW!!

[Tim B.]

Eric,

Thanks for the additional comments and information on the engraving! Glad you liked the PICS, it may be the only worthwhile contributions I can bring here as I am usually asking more questions that giving answers.

I usually use my old 3.2 megapixel Sony, but in a rush picked up my travel companion--the Fuji Finepix F10. Really did a nice job on the serial number and I was able to get so close, the lens almost touched the star!!

Anyway, glad you liked them!
Tim