Russia – Soviet: Order of the Red Banner, type 3, variation 4, the reverse numbered 377021.
Russia – Soviet: Order of the Red Banner, type 3, variation 4, the reverse numbered 377021, mounted on aluminium five-sided suspender.
Condition: in superb condition, the enamel work near perfect, Extremely Fine
Established 1st August 1924, this was the first Soviet order. Awarded to military personnel of the Soviet Army and Navy who display exceptional courage, self-denial, and valour during combat. The Order of the Red Banner originally appeared in 1918, as the Order of the Red Banner of the Russian Federation. The award was offered to citizens of the Republic for exceptional military service. Other Soviet Republics followed Russia and issued their own version of the award. Azerbaijan was the first with the Order of the Red Banner of the Azerbaijan SSR. After the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1922, the country's all-union military decoration became the Order of the Red Banner. Earlier awards distributed by each of the Soviet Republics were allowed to be kept by their recipients. It was decided these awards had great historic significance as they were awarded during the Civil War, and served as reminders of heroic events. The Order of the Red Banner has been awarded to various Soviet naval units for exemplary service in wartime. The Baltic Fleet was cited for its role in the Revolution of 1917, and all four fleets (Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific) and the Caspian Naval Flotilla were cited for their service in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). The Baltic Fleet is formally referred to as the Twice-Honored Red Banner Baltic Fleet.
