Soviet Orders:

ORDER OF THE OCTOBER REVOLUTION 1st variation. This was considered the second highest order of the USSR. Instituted on October 31, 1967. Awarded to Soviet and foreign citizens, factories, army units, political organizations, etc. for building socialism, social work, contribution to the economy, etc. Made of silver, enamel and goldplating. This was awarded to Fiodor Abramovitch Chistobaev in 1971.

"The Order of the October Revolution was established by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on October 31, 1967. The order was designed by V. Zaitsev...The award was given for friendler ties with the peoples or governments of the world. The order was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Socialist Revolution in 1917."*

ORDER OF THE RED BANNER OF LABOR Instituted on September 7, 1928. Awarded to individuals and institutions for contribution in the economy, science, social work, etc. Made of silver, enamel and goldplating. Made of silver, enamel and goldplating. This was also awarded to Fiodor Abramovitch Chistobaev in 1966.

The Order of the Red Banner of Labor "...is the second oldest order of the USSR, after the Order of the Red Banner. The Order was designed by V. Golenetsky."*

ORDER OF LABOR GLORY 3RD CLASS Type 2. Established on January 18, 1974 and awarded for contributions to the economy and outstanding labor. Made of silver, gilt and enamel.

"The Order of Labor Glory was designed by U.M. Yegorov. The Order has three classes. The 3rd class was awarded first, followed by the 2nd class, and finally the 1st class. The individual could only be awarded the higher class after having earned the lower class first. An awardee having earned all three classes of the Order of Labor Glory was known as a "Cavalier" of the Order of Labor Glory and was given special privileges."*

*picture of the Order of Labour Glory is from Paul McDaniel and Paul J. Schmitt's "The Comprehensive Guide to Soviet Orders and Medals".

ORDER OF THE BADGE OF HONOR Instituted on November 25, 1935. Awarded for contribution to the defense, economy politics, sports, etc. Made of silver, gilt and enamel. Concave reverse type. (Document not translated yet)

"The order was designed by D. Galyadkin. Over 14,500 Orders of the Badge of Honor were awarded prior to the Great Patriotic War. More than 66,000 were given during the war and over 1,500,000 were awarded by 1988."*

(Left Order): Order of the Red Star, made of solid silver and enamel. S/n is 1754847. Perfect enamel, very minor wear, XF+ condition.

"The Order of the Red Star was instituted by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR on April 6, 1930. Both the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Star have the same establishment and statue dates. The order was designed by V. Kupriyanov and V. Golenetsky."*

"The Order of the Red Star is established for awarding for great achievements in defending the USSR in war, as well as the state security and peace."*

(Right Order): Order of the Great Patriotic War 2nd class (1985 issue), made of solid silver and enamels. S/n is 1190180.

"The Order of the Patriotic War was the first Soviet award established durring World War II. On May 20, 1942 the order was instituted. In 1985, durring the preparation for the 40th anniversary of the victory over Germany, the decision was made to award the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st and 2nd classes (1985 issue) to all the surviving veterans of the war."*

*These two orders are from the medal group on my "Soviet Medals" page.

Special thanks to Alexei Merezhko for translations and scans!

Alexei's Soviet Militaria Website

*The history quotes of the orders is from Paul McDaniel and Paul J. Schmitt's "The Comprehensive Guide to Soviet Orders and Medals"