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 (vars. 3&4 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 variation 4 of 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.).

I have been advised by one expert that this is a previously undocumented transitional type but according to McDaniel (see pages 377-382) it is a duplicate. In every case rather rare as duplicates normally have small stamped numbers and a letter "D". Its in very good condition, with serial number 1813259. If not a duplicate, I am told this type appeared briefly when unused Soviet stocks were resorted to by its successor state - Russia (1991-1992). An unknown but only small number were apparently awarded in comparison to previous types.