Red Star.

[PaulR]

I will definitely get this one researched. I hope that it comes back something cool!!

Here is the close up... I love how well worn the enamel is. I would be willing to bet that it was worn in the field!

[Bill Garvy]

Yes, they were!

292944. . .

[JensF.]

Unbelieveable, just 4 numbers apart!

Originally Posted by Bill Garvy

Paul, it's much too early to be a long service award, probably awarded late 1943, and, in my opinion, certainly worthy of a research effort. You certainly got a good price!

As I recall, amongst Russian speaking collectors, there is a word used to describe the "pebbling" you and Jens observe on the reverse of your Red Stars. The word escapes me at the moment.

Jens, here is a close relative, #390871. . . Note replaced enamel on the one arm.

[PaulR]

I remember reading that there were an estimated 4million ORSs awarded. I know that this number is too low... what is the new number of these awarded out? What number should I expect to be post WW2(later conflicts)?

[Lapa]

Originally Posted by PaulR

I remember reading that there were an estimated 4million ORSs awarded. I know that this number is too low...

Paul,

What makes you think so? As far as I know, the highest known SN for a Red Star is 3858978.

Marc

[Bill Garvy]

Yes, I think 3.8 million +, although I have a few in the higher numbers awarded for wounds/action during the Great Patriotic War, for example. . .

-#3836254 Awarded to Sergeant Ivan Shoktko, Anti-tank Rifle Squad Commander, 641st Rifle Regiment, 165th Rifle Division, for action in January, 1945. Originally recommended for an Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, February 28th, 1945, the recommendation was downgraded to an Order of the Red Star, April 12th, 1945. His Order of the Red Star was not received until December 3rd, 1992.

-#3714824 Awarded to Junior Lieutenant Aleksandr Nikolaevich Sogomonov, 223rd Rifle Division, 5th Army, 2nd Ukrainian Front – MG Platoon Leader, for serious wounds received December 10th, 1943. Originally recommended for an Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, on August 11th, 1981, the recommendation was downgraded to an Order of the Red Star on September 10th, 1982. His Order of the Red Star was finally conferred by an Edict of the Supreme Soviet USSR dated July 5th, 1983 concerning the awarding of decorations of the USSR to active participants of the Great Patriotic War who received wounds in combat.

[RedMaestro2]

Any guesses as to the award dates and units/reasons for awarding of Red Stars numbered 2,792,27x 2,825,82x?

I'm thinking early post-war catch-up. But right or not, anything more specific?

Thanks in advance!

[JensF.]

Alex,

those fell possibly into the range of long service awards around 1948.

[Bill Garvy]

According to the "Green Bible" they both may be June, 1947 long-service awards. You never know until you have them researched, which, if nothing is found, usually doesn't cost you anything. . .

[JensF.]

And here is my Red Star with the lowest number I have. It is in a fantastic, almost mint condition and should be a real candidate for a research: