Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class, Type 1, Variation 3,
#19613, awarded on to Lieutenant Nikolai Ratkovskiy.
Silver, solid gold (hammer & sickle emblem), enamels. The
medallion is 47.3 mm tall (incl. eyelet), 42.9 mm wide. The
suspension measures 32.4 mm wide, 21.2-21.3 mm in height
(not including the provision for connecting link at the
bottom). The serial number is engraved in standard manner
at 7 o'clock position.
In fine condition. The enamel is preserved better than on
most other surviving Type 1 examples. The enamel is
completely replaced on the top arm (as is often the case,
the replacement is something that looks like nail polish,
probably applied by the recipient himself and very easy to
remove with solvent if desired). The enamel on the other
arms is original and relatively well preserved. There are
surface flakes near the tips of the arms, but no
penetrating chips. The enamel also has many small contact
marks and scratches; there is no excessive rubbing however,
and the enamel on the four lower arms still has an
attractive overall appearance. The golden hammer & sickle
emblem is completely intact. There is nice, even dark
patina to silver on the obverse and reverse.
This piece has not been converted and retains its original
suspension device, complete with the retaining nut and
rectangular back plate. The screw post is full length, over
11 mm long measured from the back plate, and includes
original mint marked screw plate. The ribbon is old and in
all likelihood, original as well; it is perfectly clean and
sound showing only minimal wear to the edges. The
connecting link appears to be original and although
deformed from the weight of the pendant, remains intact;
its ends are soldered shut.
Nikolai Ratkovskiy joined the military in 1939 at the age
of 18, apparently as a cadet of a military school. He was
at the front from February 1943 serving as topographer of
the Southwestern Front. He immediately distinguished
himself by providing valuable contribution to strengthening
the defense lines being built by the Front at the time in
anticipation of the German summer offensive. Ratkovskiy's
specific responsibilities apparently encompassed finding
best positions for the artillery batteries, the task he
completed with utmost efficiency despite his lack of prior
experience. The recommendation to award Lieut. Ratkovskiy
with an Order of the Patriotic War - a relatively new and
still uncommon award at the time - was submitted by the
deputy commander of his topographic unit on 3 June 1943. It
was soon approved by the Southwestern Front's Chief of
Staff, and the award was officially bestowed upon
Ratkovskiy on 22 June 1943 - the second anniversary of the
German invasion.
Research Materials: photocopy of the award commendation
and award record card.
Item# 31726
$1,200.00 