Soviet Order of the Patriotic War for Opinions please

[streptile]

Hello Comrades,

I've had this since the mid 1980s. I know basically what it is and what it was awarded for. However, I know there are many different versions of this order, in different materials and made at different times. Can anyone say what this particular example is?

It falls outside my main area of interest, so I can't say too much more about it, but I am happy to answer any questions. Your help is very appreciated.

[Darrell]

Hey Trevor,

Nice looking Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, what is referred to as Type 2 Concave Reverse (which has been seen with serial numbers 100,000-600,000 range).

R1 Rating (Common).

That Serial Number falls into the approximate time frame of April - July 1945.

[Greg Collins]

There are two main "types" of this order- those made before 1985 and the 1985 issues. The orders made prior to 1985 are two piece- the hammer and sickle (23k gold- like yours) and the rest of the order- silver. These are AWARDS. The 1985 issue was made for distribution at the 1985 Victory Day parade. These were one piece awards- silver (the gold was plated). The 2nd Class was considered more of a commemorative piece in this case.

Now, as to variations of the given types... the "prior to 1985" order has MANY variations, primarily due to them being made at several locations to keep up with demand. The variations depend on the backs of the awards- star back, flat back, concave back, etc. The 1985 order has two variations that center on the screw- on one variation, the screw has a "nipple" it comes from, while on the other it just comes out of a flat surface.

One thing about the "prior to 1985" orders- often enough one can find the hammer and sickle has been replaced with copper. Some vets, falling on hard times, had sold the gold. Yours looks like the original gold, though.

[Ruiz]

You have a beautiful Order, is one of the most prized by collectors of Soviet medals, congratulations.
Best regards, Ruiz.

[streptile]

Hi Darrell and Greg,

Thanks very much for the detailed explanation. It's exactly the kind of information I was hoping for. This piece is very well put together, and quite heavy. A solid example of craftsmanship. I do think the central motif is the original real gold. It's pretty interesting that folks could (and did) sell this small quantity of gold. It's quite an indictment of the Soviet system that times were that tough. Fascinating.

Darrell, nice to see you over here behind the Iron Curtain.

[streptile]

You have a beautiful Order, is one of the most prized by collectors of Soviet medals, congratulations.
Best regards, Ruiz.

Thanks, Ruiz.

[desantnik]

Your piece was either awarded by the 1 Belorussian Front, or possibly the Far Eastern Front for actions against the Japanese.

[Greg Collins]

"It's quite an indictment of the Soviet system that times were that tough" ... when you think about the utter devastation that the Nazi war machine visited on the USSR and, though the Soviet people were able to regroup and drive the fascists back and ultimately destroy them (payback being what it is), there was still PLENTY of clean-up to do... takes time; takes money.

Based on how the American system is doing just now, I wonder what our indictment will sound like...