Silver gilt, enamels; measures 51.0 mm in height, 49.8 mm in width; weighs 43.1 g without the screw plate. This relatively early version of the Type 3 features a concave "Deep Dish" construction. There is an interesting subtle double-strike of the mint marks, observed occasionally on period pieces.

Excellent condition. The enamel appears practically perfect to the unaided eye. There is a slight surface rubbing, mostly on the top and upper left arm, but no chips, flaking, glaring scratches or any other significant wear. The center medallion shows almost none of the usual

Silver gilt, enamels; measures 51.0 mm in height, 49.8 mm in width; weighs 43.1 g without the screw plate. This relatively early version of the Type 3 features a concave "Deep Dish" construction. There is an interesting subtle double-strike of the mint marks, observed occasionally on period pieces.

Excellent condition. The enamel appears practically perfect to the unaided eye. There is a slight surface rubbing, mostly on the top and upper left arm, but no chips, flaking, glaring scratches or any other significant wear. The center medallion shows almost none of the usual wear to the high points, the details of the bas-relief are nice and crisp. A good amount of the original gilt is present on the battleaxes, sword, quiver, and the wreath. There is an attractive dark patina to silver on the medallion, starburst, and reverse. The screw post is full length, over 13 mm, and includes an original silver screw plate. Overall, a beautifully preserved piece.

Born in 1923 in a village in the Voronezh region of Russia, Ivan Konovalov had only an elementary school education when he joined the Red Army in September 1941, soon after the start of the Patriotic War. He was serving on the front line starting from the following January, probably after spending the initial months of the war in an NCO school. In March 1942, he was lightly wounded in combat. When recommended for his first decoration in August 1944, Konovalov had already been commissioned an officer and commanded a mortar platoon with the 1109th Rifle Regiment, 330th Rifle Division, then a part of the 50th Army, 2nd Belorussian Front. He and his platoon performed exceptionally well during Operation Bagration, the strategic Soviet offensive that destroyed much of the German Army Group Center and severely mauled the Army Group North. From the start of the operation on 22 June through early October 1944, Konovalov's platoon took part in the liberation of a number of cities including Grodno and Mogilev, and crossed several major rivers. It destroyed 5 enemy machine guns and killed 60 German soldiers. On 30 August 1944, Konovalov was awarded with an Order of the Red Star for his excellent leadership throughout the offensive.

Konovalov distinguished himself once again during the Soviet Vistula - Oder offensive. On 18 February 1945, he with his platoon destroyed one and silenced two enemy heavy machine guns, and eliminated 21 enemy soldiers in a skirmish near a Pomeranian village now known by its Polish name of Nieżywięć. The supporting fire of Konovalov's mortar men greatly facilitated the advance of his regiment's infantry. On 5 March, he was recommended by the regiment commander for another award of the Order of the Red Star. Uncharacteristically, the division commander elevated it to the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd cl. which was awarded to Konovalov on 14 March 1945 by an order of the 47th Rifle Corps,

The Order of Alexander Nevsky was Konovalov's third and final decoration of the war. During the period from 13 - 26 March 1945, his platoon was engaged in house-to-house fighting in the suburbs of Danzig (ironically, grievances over the plight of ethnic Germans in this hitherto self-governed city served as a pretext for Hitler's invasion of Poland that started World War Two). In two weeks of fighting Konovalov and his men destroyed 3 machine guns and up to 70 German soldiers. The award recommendation for the Order of Alexander Nevsky was submitted by the regiment commander on 12 April, and the award was officially bestowed by an order of the 49th Army command on 30 April 1945, just days before the end of the war.

Research Materials: photocopy of the award record card and award commendations for all three decorations. Detailed history of the 330th Rifle Division can be found in Volume IX Red Tide of Charles Sharp's book series Soviet Order of Battle, World War II.
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