Soviet WWII Order of the Red Star (Silver, Numbered, c.1945)

Authentic Soviet Order of the Red Star (Russian: «ОРДЕН КРАСНОЙ ЗВЕЗДЫ»), a distinguished military decoration awarded for personal bravery, leadership, and outstanding service to the armed forces of the USSR during the Second World War.

The order is crafted in silver and measures approximately 47–50 mm across, formed as a five-pointed star with deep red enamel. The obverse features a central oxidized silver shield depicting a standing Soviet soldier in greatcoat holding a rifle. Surrounding the shield is a narrow band bearing the Communist motto “WORKERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!” («ПРОЛЕТАРИИ ВСЕХ СТРАН, СОЕДИНЯЙТЕСЬ!»), with the inscription “USSR” («СССР») at the base. Beneath the shield sits the hammer and sickle emblem, also in oxidized silver, completing the iconic composition.

The reverse is plain and fitted with a threaded screw-post and backing plate for secure wear. It bears the maker’s mark along with the engraved serial number. This example is numbered 1544467, consistent with wartime production and most likely awarded in the second half of 1945, during the final phase of the conflict.

The order was worn directly on the uniform via screw-back fastening. When not worn, it was represented on a ribbon bar consisting of a 24 mm dark red silk moiré ribbon with a central silver stripe.

The enamel and metal surfaces may show typical age-related wear such as light scratches, minor enamel flakes, or patina, consistent with period use and storage.

Condition: As shown in photographs.

130,00

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SKU: 2642628

Details

ClassificationOrders
ConflictWorld War II
CountrySoviet Union
MarkingsSerial Numbered

Statement

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Historical Description

The Order of the Red Star (Russian: «Орден Красной Звезды») was established on 6 April 1930 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, with its statute formally defined shortly thereafter on 5 May 1930. It became one of the most important and widely awarded Soviet military decorations, recognizing both wartime heroism and long-term contributions to the strength and effectiveness of the armed forces. The statute governing the order was revised multiple times between 1936 and 1980 to refine its criteria and scope.

The award was conferred upon members of the Soviet Army, Navy, border troops, and internal security forces, as well as personnel of state security organs. It could also be awarded to military units, warships, institutions, and even foreign military personnel. The Order of the Red Star occupied a unique position in the Soviet awards system, bridging recognition for both personal bravery in combat and exceptional service in military organization, training, and readiness.

It was granted for acts of courage and valor on the battlefield, effective leadership and organization of combat operations, and successful missions that inflicted significant damage on enemy forces. Beyond frontline service, it also recognized achievements in maintaining public security, safeguarding state borders, executing special assignments under dangerous conditions, and contributing to military science, training, and the development of new technologies. In peacetime, it could be awarded for exemplary service and efforts that strengthened the defensive capabilities of the USSR.

During the Second World War, the Order of the Red Star was awarded on a massive scale, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of Soviet military merit. It was issued to millions of recipients, ranging from enlisted personnel to senior officers, reflecting both individual acts of heroism and sustained contributions to the war effort.

In the official order of wear, the decoration was worn on the right side of the chest and ranked immediately after the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class. In modern contexts, when worn alongside awards of the Russian Federation, those decorations take precedence.