Soviet Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class, #92401, WW2 ISSUE. THIS IS GUARANTEED 100% ORIGINAL Soviet-made military decoration of WW2 period, NOT a replica! The badge is made in SOLID 14 K GOLD (the starburst with rifle and sword; the hammer & sickle emblem), SILVER (the enameled star and round center medallion, the screw post), and high quality enamels. The badge weighs 31.7 g not including the screw plate; measures 45.4 mm tall, 43.4 mm wide. Unlike the 1985 version of the same order that was made in gilded silver and issued to millions of surviving war veterans, this piece is actually awarded DURING THE WAR. It is very different from the later model: note the multi-piece construction of the badge: the hammer & sickle emblem in 14 K gold is superimposed on the enameled star in silver, which is superimposed on the starburst in 14 K gold. The whole assembly is held together by a hexagon nut at the base of the silver screw post. The mint mark Monetnyi Dvor is stamped on the reverse and the serial number 92401 is hand-engraved near the bottom. The Order of the Patriotic War was awarded for bravery on the battlefield. Unlike many other Soviet decorations, it was instituted during the war with Germany (which the Soviets dubbed the Great Patriotic War) and awarded exclusively for WW2 exploits. Another unique feature of this award is that it had very specific requirements in destroyed enemy soldiers or equipment number of tanks, airplanes etc. And those differed by the branch of service. A Soviet serviceman of any rank or branch of service including the Navy and Air Forces could get it, but it was not at all an easy award to win, especially the Gold First Class. The recipient would receive recognition and privileges for life! Note that each award had its own, unique serial number; the name / feat / biographical details of the recipient can be determined by this number through the Russian military archives. This piece is in imperfect but very decent condition, especially for a Soviet award of WW2 era. The enamel is replaced on two of the arms of the star, the top arm and upper right arm. The other three arms have original enamel which shows a fair amount of rubbing and wear, but still looks good. There are also a couple of tiny surface flakes to the upper left arm, but no penetrating chips. The red enamel on the center medallion is perfect. The white band has tiny amount of flaking only, almost unnoticeable to the naked eye no significant damage. Unlike many other wartime examples, this order has original golden hammer & sickle emblem still intact this part often caught in the clothing or equipment and broke off, so we often see it replaced with a brass replica on other wartime orders. The details of the gold starburst are nice and crisp, without noticeable dings or scratches. The screw post is full length (well over 12 mm measured from the reverse of the silver star) and fully functional; comes with a Soviet-made ORIGINAL WW2 era screw plate which fits the screw perfectly the plate is not in silver but rather in Melchior or German Silver alloy. This is an excellent chance to acquire a great looking, historic, ORIGINAL WW2 Soviet combat award at a bargain price (not to mention about a Troy Ounce of Gold and Silver)! The item “Soviet Order of PATRIOTIC WAR 1 cl in GOLD WW2 LOW# 92401 ORIGINAL Russian medal” is in sale since Thursday, May 25, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\Russia\Medals, Pins & Ribbons”. The seller is “wwwcollectrussia” and is located in Tenafly, New Jersey. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Country: Soviet Union
- Category: Collectibles
- Original or Reproduction: Original
- Region or Culture: Russian
