Original Soviet WWII Order of Glory, 2nd Class Medal Serial #391392 - Issued During 1945

Original Item. Only One Available. The Order of Glory was a military decoration of the Soviet Union established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on November 8, 1943. It was awarded to soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the Red Army as well as to aviation junior lieutenants, for bravery in the face of the enemy. It was awarded in three classes. The order's first class was made of 950 (23 karat) gold; the order's second class was made of silver with a gilt central medallion and the order's third class was made entirely of silver.

The central medallion featured the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin, with a red enamelled five-pointed star at its top and a red enamelled scroll at the bottom bearing the word "GLORY".

This is a great example of the 2nd Class, which has a brass central medallion that has lost the majority of its gilt. This example is serial numbered 391392 on the reverse, indicating that it was issued during 1945. The medal itself is in great shape and the ribbon is very well-retained. The suspension ring has some wear and denting.

The Order of Glory, which was modelled closely after the Tsarist Cross of St. George, was divided into three distinct classes. Like the Cross of St. George, a soldier would initially be recommended for the order's lowest class - in the case of the Order of Glory its third class. Subsequent distinct acts of valor could result in the soldier being recommended for the order's two remaining classes - its second and first class - which were awarded sequentially. Soldiers who received each of the order's three classes were referred to as a "Full Cavalier of the Order of Glory" (Russian: "полный кавалер ордена Славы"). In Soviet society they were accorded the same rights and privileges as those granted to personnel who had received the Hero of the Soviet Union title. All told, 2,656 Red Army soldiers (including four men who were also awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title as well as four women) would attain Full Cavalier status.

This is a great example of the 2nd Class, ready for further research and display!