Order of the Scanderbeg - knight grade, 2nd type (under Italian rule 1939-1944). Order is rare in this class as very few were issued. Albanian orders are scarce since only issued from 1914 (Order of Black eagle only as others founded from 1925 on) until 1944. I find all Albanian Orders to be quite spectacular and well made. The collection of three (hard to accomplish though) is quite handsome. Comes with a long, original ribbon (no damage). Gilt is still intact as are all enamels. Multi-piece construction. Guaranteed original, great condition (some imperfection to ball suspension but hard to notice). Item # Alb.1 *SOLD*
Order of Fidelity (also known as BESA order) knight, 2nd type. Very rare item as few awarded in this class. This is type issued under Italian domination. Multi-piece construction, chain with words 'FERT' is affixed to body via 3 tiny screws (it is typical for this award). Black enamel intact, majority of gilding remains. Great details. Original ribbon in good condition. Reverse shows age and some tarnish to back plate (which typically for most Albanian awards covers all fasteners for the centre disc components). Great piece, very hard to obtain. Item # Alb.2 *SOLD*
Order of Scanderbeg. Grand Cross breast badge - 1st type (1925 - 1939/40). Fantastic quality in silver, gilt and rich enamels. This is the harder to find type without little star to the top of the wreath. Multi part construction. Finely crafted by: 'E. Gardino Succ. Cravanzola, Roma' (maker's plaque to reverse). Also - silver control mark punched to the lower right arm (800 or 900 - hard to make out). All enamels 100% intact. Outstanding example of this fabulous award. Shows slight wear but overall excellent condition. 84mm in diameter. Item # Alb 3. *SOLD*
Order of Scanderbeg, Grand Cross breast star - 2nd type (Italian occupation) of award (1939/40 - 1944). This is the rare variation of the 2nd type with knots of Savoy and word 'FERT' applied to ribband. Crossed fascias to bottom (also applied). All in fantastic detail. Rich enamels intact. Star in silver (800) and gilt parts. Superb example. Marked to the pin with 2 punches. One is a silver punch (800), the other representing maker but really hard to make out. Most likely S. Johnson or A. Alberti & Co. Star nicely vaulted. Light wear but very clean. Would enhance any collection. 83mm in diameter. Item # Alb. 4 *SOLD*
Order of Fidelity, also known as Besa (or Besa Order). Star of Grand Cross (or Grand Officer) mid - 2nd type - under italian domination (late stars were somewhat different). Extremely rare in any higher class. Spectacular piece. Italian manufacture, deeply impressed 2-part hallmark is very hard to make out, most likely A. Alberti. This company made some pieces in 1944 that would be consistant with this one. The details of the center badge are similar to other pieces by this firm that I've had over the years. Rare and unusual form of the star. The construction (deep 'diamond' cut pebbles) is much like the Grand Officer but 8 points would indicate the Grand Cross. It is rather well-known that Italian manufacturers took upon themselves to change the appearance of the stars as outlined in the Statutes of the Order. At least 3 or 4 different patterns have been observed in various collector publications over the years. Very rare in commerce. Would surely add much class to any Albanian Orders collection. Details are exquisite, only one tiny chip to enamels (left eagle head tip). Multi-part construction, deep blue enameled 'FERT' lettering. Etched details to feathering and knots of Savoy. Four attachment rivets to reverse, 'coke-bottle' style pin and 2 side catch pins. Appears to be heavily silver plated - possibly on bronze. Shows age and light wear. Handsome and stunning piece. 84mm in diameter. Nicely vaulted. Pin slightly loose but no problems. Truly hard to find piece. Item # Alb. 5 *SOLD*
1941 Accession to the throne of Albania - Prince William of Wied commemorative medal. Bronze gilt, great details. Medal by 'Gurschner' (German designer). Original ribbon arrangement. Light wear. Showing age. 41mm x 28mm. Very interesting medal. Item # Alb. 6 *Sold*