Silver gilt, enamels. Beautiful enamels and very high overall quality are typical of Soviet mint manufacture. The badge is of massive construction, measuring 56.5 mm in height, 54.8 mm in width; weighs 55.0 g not including the screw plate.

In excellent condition. The enamel on both the banner and star is very well preserved, showing only some minuscule contact marks and minimal amount of rubbing, no chips, flaking or other significant wear. The center medallion is essentially pristine; the raised details are perfect and exceptionally crisp. There are only a few tiny dings t

Silver gilt, enamels. Beautiful enamels and very high overall quality are typical of Soviet mint manufacture. The badge is of massive construction, measuring 56.5 mm in height, 54.8 mm in width; weighs 55.0 g not including the screw plate.

In excellent condition. The enamel on both the banner and star is very well preserved, showing only some minuscule contact marks and minimal amount of rubbing, no chips, flaking or other significant wear. The center medallion is essentially pristine; the raised details are perfect and exceptionally crisp. There are only a few tiny dings to the raised border of the medallion, barely noticeable and not detractive. The original fire gilt finish on the middle disc of the starburst is clearly visible, albeit pale and partly obscured by silver patina. The screw post is full length, nearly 14 mm, and comes with an original Soviet screw plate in Neusilber (white metal alloy) which is of the period and correct for this decoration. To summarize, this is a very impressive and nicely preserved example of the early Order of Freedom and Independence.

Established in 1950, the Order of Freedom and Independence was a strictly combat decoration, awarded exclusively by the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Standing Committee. It was issued to leaders of larger military and guerilla units. A few were also awarded to Soviet military advisers and pilots who fought in the Korean War. This order can be roughly compared, both in its significance and appearance, to the Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky. This is one of the highest - and certainly one of the most spectacular - of all North Korean decorations.

/Sessler & McDaniel, Military and Civil Awards of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) , Page 187/.
$2,600.00  Add to cart