For Bravery

Established on 17 October 1938, the second medal after the 20 years of RKKA and is one of the highly respected Soviet awards issued to soldiers and lower reanking officers. Made of 25,802±1,3 g of 925/1000 silver is total weight was 27,930±1,52 g. As the most prestigious of medals it was worn first (similarly as was the Order of Lenin).

Over 4.6 million issued.  Type one was issued until 1943 and variations 1&2 had a hand engraved number (later ones were stamped). Known number ranges are var.1: 7 to 28256; var. 2: 28910 - 40254; var.3 50075 – 210563 and var.4: 155066 – 490828). Variations 1&2 had the letters filled with enamel which flushed (were even with medal's surface). Variations 3&4 letters were filled with paint and in var.4 the medal was thinner (only 2.6 - 2.8mm) compared to 3 mm for the first 3 variations.

Type 2 was issued as of 18 June 1943 in four variations all on a five-sided hanger. Variations 1&2 had letters painted and 3&4 were enameled but no serial number. Lowest known number 450826. Variations and subvariations are distinguished by numbering, whether ring was soldered or not or by its shape etc.).

This is type 1 first variation with original hanger (ring on medal 5.25mm compared to 5.5-6.25 on later variations; the hanger has a screw 3mm (later 4mm) and the fastening screw was 18mm with the word Mondvor while later variations had the words Monetij Dvor with a diameter of 24-25mm).