Shalygin, Mihail Andreevich, Deputy Head Of Political Affairs, Locomotive Column #33

[CtahhR]

This is one of the most desirable groups - I do like the Railwaymen!

The MPS booklet will be a replacement by the looks of things (rather than a fake). If he lost his original document between 1946 and leaving service this sort of replacement would be expected - things in context make much more sense than individual pieces.

The Red Banner Of Labour is for 20 years service and the Lenin is for 25 years service (1st August 1953 is Railway workers' long service ukaz). This would indicate service from the age of 22 which seems more than reasonable.

I would also expect a 15 years service Badge Of Honour c1945 but he may have been overlooked, he's certainly not shown wearing one. I'd also expect a second Red Banner Of Labour had he stayed on to serve 30+ years.