The Soviet Military Awards Page

Soviet Medals
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Medal for Bravery in Fire Fighting
Established 31 October 1957. Awarded to workers in the fire guard, members of voluntary fire fighting brigades, servicemen, and other citizens who display courage and bravery in extinguishing fires; in saving lives and for saving socialist or private property from fire; and in preventing explosions and fires. This medal was designed with the text on the obverse, but it was not uncommon for the recipient to alter the medal so that the more impressive design of a fire-fighter saving a child was always displayed. The metal composition changed over time. Until September 1960, the medal was made of silver. After 1960 the medal was made of a silver alloy and plated with silver, and finally, perhaps during the 1980's, German silver ( copper, zinc, and nickel ) was used. Approximately 32,000 were issued.
Variation 1                                       R2    
Silver-plated silver alloy.
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Variation 2                                       R2    
German silver (copper, zinc, nickel)
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Variation 3                                       R3    
Solid silver.

Medal for Bravery

Established 17 October 1938. Also known as the "Medal for Courage", "Medal for Valor" and "Medal for Gallantry". Considered the most highly respected Soviet military medal, it was awarded to personnel of all ranks in the Army, Navy, Border Troops and Ministry of Internal Affairs troops for personal bravery in a theater of operations; in defense of USSR borders; for performance of a soldier's duty in life-risking situations; and for activities against spies and subversive elements. Citizens as well as foreigners were also eligible for this award. This award could be received more than once. It is made of silver. Approximately 4,600,000 were issued.
Type 1 Variation 1                             R4      
Early suspension. With copper screwpost. "No." and serial number are engraved.
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Type 1 Variation 2                             R4        
Early suspension. With silver plated screwpost. "No." and serial number are engraved.
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Type 1 Variation 3                             R2        
Early suspension. Stamped number. This variation has no "No.". Stamped Number.
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Type 2 Variation 1                               C         
5-sided suspension. Ring soldered to the medal. Note the very small serial number, suggesting this may be a re-issue or duplicate award.
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Type 2 Variation 2                             R3        
5-sided suspension. "U" shaped ring. Usually has grind marks where ring was filed down.
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Type 2 Variation 3                               C         
5-sided suspension. Ring is part of the medal. Ring is manufactured to appear similar to Type 2 Variation 1. Without serial number.
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RARITY KEY:
A-Abundant, readily available, often in wholesale quantities.
C-Common, always available. Occasionally in quantity.
R1-Usually available without a long delay. Difficult to find in quantity.
R2-Scarce to rare, less seldom available.
R3-Rare. Difficult to find.
R4-Very rare. Demand outstrips supply, and specimens, when
available are often eagerly sought.
R5-Extremely rare and seldom available. Collector may have to
search for a few years to locate one.
R6-Of the highest rarity. Very difficult to obtain.
R7-Almost never available. Most collectors will not have a chance to acquire these pieces.
R8-Never been on the market. Almost impossible to obtain.
R*-Not available for collections.
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