I've always been fascinated in my Soviet collecting with mounted bars particularly containing orders. I've recently acquired this group which caught my eye for the bars and the photo. I've yet to research it as it's just arrived.
There are also the award cards for all the service and commemorative medals that I haven't photographed yet.
I don't want to spoil your delight, but I'm concerned about the three long service award booklet (CSM, RS, RB).
Since the booklet is dated 1956, one would consider that all three entries were written at the same time. For example, if the book started in 1953 and thus dated, why the later entries? Also, if the awards were all for long service, the edict dates should be off-set by approximately 4-6 years for each, i.e. 1944-1949-1954. Finally, if the entries were all made in 1956, then why are the entries done in different handwriting and inks? It's possible the booklet was originally undated then "completed" in 1956, but it's worth looking into.
Good news is his two WWII awards should be good. They both are in podvignaroda and fall within 3 Belorussian Front number blocks so their probability of being thrown together and added in an altered book by a forger is less.
Nikolai Konstantinovich Matveev, born 1923, Junior Regimental Radio Technician, 371st "Vitevskiy" Red Banner Order of Suvorov Rifle Division, 3rd Belorussian Front, awarded Order of the Red Star, #1050857, November 18th, 1944. Awarded Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, #575866, April 26, 1945, 65th "Kovno" Rifle Corps, 5th Army, 3rd Belorussian Front, as Radio Technician, 930th Artillery Regiment. Was also awarded an Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, 1985 Jubilee issue.
WOW
Gentleman I'm unspeakably grateful for your input and information. I just received the group so had not initiated any research requests, therefore I appreciate all the info and observations. I really liked the group more for the bars and photo but all the other items are grand as a whole.
Best
Anthony
The Medal "For Combat Merits" and Orders Red Banner and Red Star are for long service so the citations aren't available without a paid researcher (like myself).