Soviet Orders

Order for Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR

Order for Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR
Established 28 October 1974. Awarded to servicemen of the Soviet Army and Navy, and of the border and internal security troops for achievements in combat training and political education, maintenance of a high degree of combat readiness, and mastery of new combat equipment; for high efficiency in execution of duties; for fulfillment of special assignments, for valor and selflessness in the performance of military duty and other services to the Motherland during service in the armed forces.
*1ST CLASS*
1st Class R5
	Front of order is gold plated. Only parts not gold plated are the tube sections on the rockets, the anchor, and the wings. The reverse is not gold plated. detail pic
*2ND CLASS*
2nd Class R3
	Same as above except gold plating is present on fewer areas. detail pic
*3RD CLASS*
Variation 1 R4
	"Early Manufacture". RARE. No silver wash. Silver wash was used in 3rd Class, Variation 2 to provide better contrast between starburst background and wings, anchor and rockets. Note mirror-like reverse detail in some areas. Number range, 1113 and 2618 (pictured). detail pic
Variation 2 R2
	"Later Manufacture". Silver wash was used in construction. Silver wash was used in 3rd Class, Variation 2 to provide better contrast between starburst background and wings. Anchor, wings, and rocket-bodies are much darker than starburst background. detail pic
New Variation ? R?
	"Four-line Reverse". Sent in by a member of the forum, the obverse looks similar to the "Early Manufacture". Note the lack of silver wash. The reverse has four-lines mirroring the obverse on the bottom ray. See a closeup of the lines below. detail pic detail of lines on reverse

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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Serial Numbers Database

Look up recorded serial numbers of Soviet and Mongolian orders and medals.