{"product_id":"original-soviet-wwii-postwar-ussr-military-and-civil-award-collection-orders-of-the-patriotic-war-red-star-glory-campaign-medals-lot-of-11","title":"Original Soviet WWII \u0026 Postwar USSR Military and Civil Award Collection – Orders of the Patriotic War, Red Star, Glory \u0026 Campaign Medals – Lot of 11","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an extensive collection of 11 original Soviet military and civilian orders and medals, dating from the WWII era through the later Soviet period. The grouping includes several important decorations awarded for individual bravery and distinguished military service, alongside medals commemorating the defense of major Soviet cities, the capture of Berlin, and recognition of civilian achievements. Of particular interest are the numbered screwback orders, several retaining their original Mint markings, together with the assortment of campaign medals and their characteristic suspension ribbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of the following:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrder of the Patriotic War, 1st Class\u003c\/b\u003e: Red enameled five-pointed star over gilt radiating rays, with a central hammer-and-sickle emblem and crossed rifle and saber. The reverse is marked МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР (\"Mint\").\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrder of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class\u003c\/b\u003e: Red enameled star with silver-colored radiating rays, central hammer and sickle, and crossed weapons. Reverse marked МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР and numbered 273712.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrder of the Red Star\u003c\/b\u003e: Red enameled five-pointed star with a central Soviet soldier carrying a rifle, surrounded by the Soviet motto and СССР (\"USSR\") inscription. The reverse is marked МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР and numbered 2741197.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrder of Glory, 3rd Class\u003c\/b\u003e: Five-pointed silver-colored star with the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin at center, surrounded by a laurel wreath and the inscription СЛАВА (\"Glory\"). Suspended from its distinctive orange-and-black ribbon and numbered 271364.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMedal \"For Courage\" (\u003ci\u003eЗа отвагу\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e: Silver-colored circular medal with red-filled lettering above three aircraft and a tank. Reverse numbered 1726641.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMedal \"For Combat Service\" (\u003ci\u003eЗа боевые заслуги\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/b\u003e Silver-colored medal with red-filled СССР lettering and inscription above a crossed rifle and saber. Reverse numbered 1127491.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMedal \"For the Defense of Leningrad\" (\u003ci\u003eЗа оборону Ленинграда\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/b\u003e Brass-colored medal depicting armed defenders before the Admiralty building, suspended from an olive-colored ribbon with a green central stripe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMedal \"For the Defense of Moscow\" (\u003ci\u003eЗа оборону Москвы\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/b\u003e Brass-colored medal depicting Soviet troops and a tank before the Kremlin, with its cream-colored and red-striped ribbon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMedal \"For the Capture of Berlin\" (\u003ci\u003eЗа взятие Берлина\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/b\u003e Brass-colored medal bearing the Soviet star above the inscription, suspended from its red ribbon incorporating black-and-orange stripes. The reverse commemorates May 2, 1945.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrder of Maternal Glory, 3rd Class (\u003ci\u003eМатеринская слава III\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/b\u003e Silver-colored decoration with a mother-and-child design and blue-and-white bow-shaped suspension. The reverse is marked МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР and numbered 468003.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrder of Labor Glory, 3rd Class (\u003ci\u003eТрудовая слава III\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/b\u003e Multi-part decoration featuring industrial imagery, the hammer and sickle, and a wheat wreath, suspended from its gray-and-yellow ribbon with three narrow red stripes. Reverse numbered 266611.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection remains in good overall condition, displaying expected age, handling, and storage wear throughout. The principal orders retain their distinctive enamel decoration and well-defined relief, with varying degrees of surface toning, oxidation, and finish wear. The original-pattern ribbons show some fading, soiling, and edge wear, with more noticeable fraying to the \"For Courage\" and \"For the Capture of Berlin\" suspensions. The screwback orders retain their threaded attachment posts, although the retaining nuts are absent. The inscriptions, Mint markings, and serial numbers remain legible, preserving the individual identifying features of these Soviet decorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Soviet Union's system of military decorations underwent considerable expansion during the Second World War, particularly following the German invasion of June 1941. The enormous scale of the fighting created a need to recognize individual bravery, battlefield leadership, and participation in major military operations. Several existing decorations were awarded in unprecedented numbers, while new orders and medals were introduced to recognize specific achievements and campaigns. This system continued to develop after 1945, eventually encompassing a wide range of military and civilian accomplishments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the earliest Soviet military decorations was the Order of the Red Star, established on April 6, 1930. Initially intended to recognize exceptional service in strengthening Soviet national defense, its importance increased considerably during WWII. The order could be awarded for personal courage, successful military operations, and contributions to maintaining the combat effectiveness of Soviet forces. Recipients included soldiers, officers, and personnel serving in various branches of the armed forces. It became one of the most widely distributed Soviet military orders, remaining in use throughout much of the Soviet period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo important military medals followed on October 17, 1938: the Medal \"For Courage\" and the Medal \"For Combat Service.\" The former was awarded primarily for personal bravery displayed in combat, including acts performed under direct enemy fire. It became a particularly respected distinction among Soviet frontline soldiers, as its award was closely associated with individual courage in dangerous circumstances. The Medal \"For Combat Service\" recognized military actions and achievements contributing to operational success, as well as distinguished service connected with combat readiness and the protection of Soviet state interests. Both decorations were awarded extensively during the war, recognizing the contributions of enlisted personnel and officers across the Soviet armed forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Order of the Patriotic War was instituted on May 20, 1942, during a particularly difficult period for the Soviet Union. German forces had advanced deep into Soviet territory, and the Red Army was preparing for another major summer campaign. The new order introduced two classes, with specific award requirements covering a broad range of battlefield achievements. These included the destruction of enemy equipment, successful attacks, the defense of important positions, and effective leadership under combat conditions. Tank crews, artillerymen, pilots, infantrymen, engineers, and partisans could all qualify through actions specified in the award regulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Order of the Patriotic War remained an important Soviet military decoration after 1945. Its history took a significant turn in 1985, when the Soviet government authorized a mass commemorative award for surviving veterans in connection with the 40th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. This resulted in the distribution of millions of additional orders, with eligibility and class determined under the anniversary award regulations. Consequently, the decoration represents both wartime recognition of military achievement and the Soviet Union's later efforts to commemorate its surviving veterans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother important development came on November 8, 1943, with the establishment of the Order of Glory. Created during the period when Soviet forces were advancing westward following the victories at Stalingrad and Kursk, the order recognized individual acts of bravery by soldiers, sergeants, and certain junior aviation officers. Its three-class structure required recipients to progress through the grades in sequence, beginning with the 3rd Class. The highest distinction was awarded to those who had earned all three classes, commonly known as Full Cavaliers of the Order of Glory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Order of Glory drew upon an older Russian military tradition through its black-and-orange ribbon, a color combination historically associated with the Imperial Russian Order of St. George and the St. George Cross. Its regulations emphasized specific acts of courage, including the destruction of enemy positions, successful reconnaissance, and the personal initiative of soldiers during offensive and defensive operations. The decoration became particularly associated with the fighting soldier and remained one of the Soviet Union's most recognizable awards for personal combat distinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Soviet government also introduced a series of campaign and defense medals to recognize participation in major operations. The Medal \"For the Defense of Leningrad,\" established on December 22, 1942, commemorated the military and civilian struggle to defend the city against German and Finnish forces. Leningrad had been subjected to a prolonged siege beginning in September 1941, resulting in catastrophic civilian suffering, particularly during the winter of 1941–1942. Food shortages, bombardment, and extreme cold caused enormous casualties, while Soviet forces and civilians continued to maintain defensive positions, industrial production, and essential supply routes. The siege was finally lifted in January 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medal \"For the Defense of Moscow\" was instituted on May 1, 1944, in recognition of the struggle to defend the Soviet capital during 1941–1942. German Army Group Center launched its major offensive toward Moscow in the autumn of 1941, bringing the fighting dangerously close to the city. Soviet defensive operations, the arrival of reinforcements, and the counteroffensive launched in December 1941 ultimately forced German troops away from the capital. The successful defense of Moscow represented a major turning point in the opening phase of the German-Soviet conflict, demonstrating that the German advance could be stopped and reversed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the spring of 1945, the Red Army had advanced into Germany itself. The Medal \"For the Capture of Berlin\", established on June 9, 1945, recognized Soviet personnel who participated directly in the operation against the German capital between April 22 and May 2, 1945. The Battle of Berlin involved some of the heaviest urban fighting of the final months of the war, with Soviet troops advancing through heavily defended districts toward the city's center. Berlin's garrison surrendered on May 2, effectively ending organized resistance in the capital several days before Germany's general surrender took effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection also represents the Soviet government's extensive use of civilian decorations. Established on July 8, 1944, the Order of Maternal Glory formed part of a broader policy intended to encourage larger families and recognize the responsibilities of motherhood. The wartime Soviet Union had suffered immense population losses, making family welfare and demographic recovery major concerns. The order was divided into three classes, awarded according to the number of children a mother had borne and raised. The 3rd Class recognized mothers of seven children, with regulations governing the children's ages and eligibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Order of Labor Glory, instituted on January 18, 1974, reflected the importance placed on industrial and agricultural productivity during the later Soviet period. Awarded in three successive classes, it recognized sustained excellence among workers in industry, construction, transportation, agriculture, and other sectors of the national economy. Recipients were expected to demonstrate exceptional productivity, workmanship, and contributions to improving production methods. Those who earned all three classes received the distinction of Full Cavalier of the Order of Labor Glory, together with additional privileges established under Soviet regulations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45988668702789,"sku":"ONSV23CWC107","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23CWC107__01.jpg?v=1791822835","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-soviet-wwii-postwar-ussr-military-and-civil-award-collection-orders-of-the-patriotic-war-red-star-glory-campaign-medals-lot-of-11","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}