Reference Books

[csmdmc]

Art,
you've really scored with the new forum, it's great just reading all the contributions from the various members, all showing a great wealth of knowledge, I'm learning something new every time I look in !
I was interested in the difference of opiniom about the red banners, one comment being the torch was too long, I have a few red banners and noticed some are different lengths, also the thickness of the torch and flagstaff vary in some. Is this usual or do I have some fakes?
On to reference books and I find it very difficult to set definite prices for some orders and medals as some books are years old and some like the latest Soviet & Mongolian award booklet by Dietrich Herfurth seems very overpriced for some. I try telling some sellers that I'll gladly pay these prices if in turn they charge the list price for the badges in Avers 3 which are ridiculously low now.
Keep up the good work.

[Art]

Wow..thanks, I lucked out and have some very knowledgeable members, that is all. Some stats for all those interested, I've had the forum up for three weeks, total 140 posts, the old forum was up for 2 years, and had 75 posts. The software also makes a difference. The VBulletin software really makes it fun.

Regarding the red banner controversy, here is my point of view. If I read somewhere that there is a certain element of an award that is always forged, then I see examples of what is authentic, and what is not, I can say then from then on, what is fake and what isn't. I haven't heard the torch theory before, so I can't give you an educated answer. I believe it was Christian who posted that, perhaps you may want to PM him? Try posting this question in the orders forum, maybe you'll get some good information.

regarding reference book prices, I live by the following rule. No matter how rare your award, it's only worth as much as what the highest bidder will pay. Meaning, the market determines the price. I remember when Orders of Lenin used to sell for $675, now a common T6V1 can be purchased for $350-400. So, don't expect anyone to honor prices in the book. Some go up, some go down.

I have a price-guide book similar to what you are describing. I actually bought it for the pictures and identification, not the pricing which is WAAAAY off. I'll post the book here tonite.

Art