Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 1st class, Type 3, #513621, 1985 issue to a WW2 veteran.
This top is GUARANTEED 100% Original Soviet decoration for WW2, not a post-Soviet issue or a replica!
The order is nicely made, in STERLING SILVER with gold plating throughout (including the reverse) and hot-baked enamels. Weighs 27.1 grams not including the screw plate (which is in German silver, unlike the award itself), and measures 46.0 mm tall, 43.8 mm wide.
Although this award is not of WW2 period (the ones issued during the war had starburst and hammer & sickle parts made in solid gold!), it was issued to a WW2 combatant. Many of these were later scrapped for silver and gold content, so the real number of awards in existence today is much smaller than the original number of issues would suggest. Moreover, the 1st class of this award had far more stringent requirements than the 2nd class, and as the result, far fewer of the 1st class were issued than then 2nd class.
The order is in SUPERB CONDITION. The enamel has no flaking, chips or repairs. It is completely free of any wear visible to the naked eye; there are just a few microscopic contact marks that can be found under 10x magnification. The gilt is beautifully preserved and bright, not washed-off or significantly darkened as on many other examples. Even most of the original, factory-applied dark silver finish on the rifle and sword is still intact! There is nice patina along the edge of the reverse that adds character but does not obscure the gilt.
The screw plate is original and of full length of approx. 12 mm, has not been shortened. The order comes with the original screw plate that fits the screw perfectly.
A very attractive piece of WW2 history!
Product code: Soviet top WW2 ORDER of Patriotic War 1st Class Type 3 #513621 Silver Gilt Russian Medal USSR Issue 1985 Award